District News     EAST PERTH DISTRICT JUNIOR PRELIMINARY FINALS WRAP-UP

EAST PERTH DISTRICT JUNIOR PRELIMINARY FINALS WRAP-UP

CARDIES ANSWER THE CALL

By Justin Fris

Mt Hawthorn advanced into the East Perth District 13’s Grand Final with a 22 point victory over a gallant Ellenbrook at Hamer Park.

Ellenbrook have been the ‘feel good’ story of the 13’s finals, with their endeavour a refreshing reminder of how football should be played. However the Cardies answered every challenge, with greater height proving significant in the 8.7 (55) to 5.3 (33) win.

The match was played in testing conditions, which resulted in a stoppage style game. The Cardies controlled the midfield early and gave their forwards effective use. This was remarkable, as Ellenbrook dominated the hit outs all over the ground.

The performance of Cardies maestro Felix Cornes was exceptional. His ball use under pressure was outstanding and he was clearly best afield.

   

Despite being challenged throughout, the Cardies were superb. They all stood up when counted and will be optimistic in derailing the Noranda 13’s next Sunday.

“I’m not going to give any secrets away, but we have been rehearsing some set plays during the week. We are aware of Noranda’s tagging tendency, so hopefully we can negate this” a confident Cardies coach Steve Burke said.

Ellenbrook were served prolifically by Matthew Boddington and Blake Jankowski. They were highly influential throughout, with courageous deeds from Austin Watson notably impressive as well.

Mt Hawthorn will now play Noranda next Sunday in the 13’s Grand Final at Lightning Park, Noranda.

 

CARDIES DOUSE COOLBINIA’S SPARK

By Justin Fris

Mount Hawthorn cruised into the East Perth District 14’s Grand Final on with a comprehensive 35 point victory over a disappointing Coolbinia at Hamer Park on Sunday.

The Cardies started brightly and maintained a solid level of intensity throughout the match in the 12.9 (81) to 6.10 (46) triumph. Conversely, Coolbinia appeared overwhelmed and more spooked than a toddler on a ghost train.

 

Coolbinia achieved some respectability in the final term, outscoring the Cardies 4.5 to 3.1, yet the cause was fruitless. It was disappointing for such an electric team to run out of power on the big stage.

The Cardies were well served by Blake Preston, Liam Powell and Cal Radecki. The run and carry and ball use was excellent; a pleasing sign for the Cardies coaching staff.

The crowd also appeared in awe of Jackson Principe’s game. His fearless attack on the footy was terrific, along with his decision making under pressure.

Coolbinia’s final quarter display indicated a wealth of talent down at Bomberland. Despite being filthy with the loss, 2011 was a positive season and they will be keen to make amends in 2012.

Mt Hawthorn will face Ballajura Black in the East Perth District 14’s Grand Final at Lightning Park, Noranda this Sunday.

 

NORANDA SWOOP ON BALLAJURA

By Justin Fris

Noranda soared into the East Perth District 15’s Grand Final after steamrolling Ballajura Blue by 61 points at Hamer Park, Mt Lawley on Sunday.

The Hawks had winners all over the ground and led the Royals a merry dance in all departments. Costly acts of ill discipline from several Royals players did little, apart from ballooning the Noranda lead.

Foundations of the Noranda victory were based around hard running and work for each other as the ravenous Hawks won 16.10 (106) to 7.3 (45).

Ballajura coach, Glenn Sadler, would have been displeased with a series of ill disciplined acts which effectively evaporated any legitimate opportunity of victory. Most notably, was a 100m penalty in the third quarter which put them well and truly out to pasture.

The Hawks would have been delighted with the work of ruckman Tyler Keitel, who was clearly best afield. In terms of quality orchestrated performances, he would have only given Mozart a run for his money. Dylan Harwood and Matt Monastra also rose to the occasion, providing solid football nous across the half forward line.

Ballajura’s notable performers included Jake Lewis, Keenan Hooper and Mitch Miles. All were influential in proceedings; however, ultimately they lacked support throughout the match.

Noranda will be at home against a rampaging Morley in the East Perth District 15’s Grand Final at Lightning Park on Sunday.

 

ROOS ARE GRAND FINAL BOUND

The Mt Lawley-Inglewood Roos clawed their way into the grand final of the East Perth / Perth District 16s competition with a nail-biting 6-point win over the Victoria Park Raiders at Hamer Park on Sunday.

In an incident-packed final quarter, Mt Lawley broke away to a two goal lead midway through the term after trailing for most of the match.  The Raider’s task was made more difficult following a yellow-card infringement and an unfortunate collision resulting in one of their players being stretchered from the field.  But they continued to toil away gallantly and got within a kick in the final minutes.

Teni Henderson provided the spark for Mt Lawley when moved into the centre.  Charles Lill worked tirelessly across half-forward and Alex Ridley’s composure held the backline together during the tense finish.  Linford Smith’s athleticism around the ground was another key factor in the Roos win, with Jarrad Klemm, Tom Rees and Curtis Chester also amongst the best for Mt Lawley on the day.

Mt Lawley will now meet Thornlie in Sunday’s 16’s cross-district grand final at Lightning Park.  The Roos took the honours in their only other clash this season in round 10.

 

GRAND FINAL FIXTURES

The grand finals of the East Perth District Junior Competition will be played on Sunday 18^th September at Lightning Park in Noranda.  Fixtures for all grades are as follows:

13s (9.15am)  Noranda Gold v Mt Hawthorn Cardinals

14s (11am)  Ballajura Black v Mt Hawthorn Cardinals

15s (1pm)  Morley Bulldogs v Noranda

16s Cross District (3pm)  Thornlie v Mt Lawley-Inglewood

 

17s Cross District (12 noon)  Ballajura v South Perth                        Browne’s Stadium