RD1 Reserves Match Report

Reserves Match Report Rd 1 v Peel

The East Fremantle Reserves side carried on from their positive pre-season form to edge out a determined Peel side by 11 points on Good Friday. 

In blustery early conditions, it was a scrappy first quarter, with the Sharks having plenty of opportunities to score but were ineffective going forward. Despite 13 inside 50s, the team could only manage 1 point to the Thunder 1 goal to trail by 5 points at quarter time. Midfielders Jack Walsh, Matt Burton and Luke Yeo were all getting their hands on the ball while Kale Paton and Sam Collins are resolute in defence. 

The Sharks got right on top in the 2nd term, lead by Matt Burton with 10 touches, finding a reliable avenue to goal in Cody Leggett, who kicked 2 goals for the quarter. The Sharks outscored the Thunder 4.3 to 1.0 to open up a handy 16 point lead at main break. Burton was well supported by new addition, Jack Walsh (15 disposals at the half) while Keanu Haddow and Josh Cripps were also finding plenty of the ball. 

Peel responded in the 3rd quarter but were thwarted by Max Murphy, returning from a serious ankle injury. The key back repelled many dangerous Peel attacks and had 9 disposals and 4 marks for the quarter. Despite the game bing played between the arcs, Mitch Kleppe had 2 set shots to extend the lead but narrowly missed. The Thunder had reduced the margin to 11 points and the game was evenly poised. 

The start of the last was going to be critical and it was East Fremantle who got the early ascendancy. Goals to Jack Walsh and Luke Kenny extended the margin to a game high 23 points before Peel roared back into the contest. They kicked 3 goals in 3 minutes to reduce the margin to 5 points and the game was well and truly up for grabs. Ira Jetta gave the Sharks some breathing space before Peel responded and with 5 minutes left there was 5 points in it. A rushed behind saw the margin extend to 6 points before an Austin Ball mark and goal with seconds left put an end to a tight battle. 

Better performers for the Sharks were Jack Walsh, with 26 disposals, 5 clearances, 11 tackles and a goal, Matt Burton, with 23 disposals, 4 clearances and a goal, Max Murphy who had 20 disposals and 10 marks and Josh Cripps, who had 16 disposals, 5 marks and 6 inside 50s. Down back, along with Murphy, Sam Collins, Keanu Haddow and Kale Paton were resolute. 

The Sharks Reserves next take on Swan Districts at Blue Steel Oval next Saturday from 1140am. 

Images: Pixell Photography