East Fremantle snatch a nail-biting victory over Claremont

A last minute goal scored by first year player Jake Schleicher has seen the Sharks defeat Claremont in one of the most entertaining games of the season.

With six lead changes in the final quarter alone, East Fremantle will consider themselves fortunate enough to escape with a victory in this hard fought affair.

The crowd was silenced when former Docker Kepler Bradley kicked a goal in the dying minutes of the game to steal the lead from the Sharks. Thankfully, Schleicher was able to find himself in the right place at the right time to kick an opportunist’s goal with seconds to spare.

The final result saw East Fremantle defeat Claremont 10.14 (74) to 10.11 (71). The win sees the Sharks get their season back on track having now won two out of four games.

East Fremantle started the game well with early goals to Brad Dalziell and Ryan Lester-Smith. The Sharks dominated the first quarter where they had the advantage of a strong breeze, managing to keep Claremont goalless whilst still kicking four goals themselves.

A frustrating second quarter for the Sharks saw them give up a 26 point lead. Claremont's pressure lifted and East Fremantle were unable to capitalise on opportunities that came their way. Brandon Ellis and Robert Young both took strong contested marks inside 50 but neither were able to go back and convert.

The Sharks went into the main break with just a two point lead. The remainder of the game would see neither side able to break away from the other. Jamie McNamara provided the highlight of the third term snapping a great goal from the boundary.

The final quarter saw regular lead changes with both sides kicking goals that at the time felt like match winners. It was a must win game for both sides so it was understandable why the match was fought so fiercely from start to finish. When Kepler Bradley stole the lead from the Sharks by kicking a 50 metre bomb from the boundary, it seemed as though Claremont were going to walk away with the 4 points. The Sharks pressure didn’t falter however, and Schleicher was able to take advantage of some clumsy Claremont defending and kick the match winner.

Boston Williamson put in arguably his best game since coming to the Sharks, matching up on the dangerous Ian Richardson and restricting him to 8 disposals. Rory O'Brien also played a fantastic game for the Sharks, collecting 34 disposals and kicking one goal. East Fremantle will be hoping that Matthew Jupp (jaw but did play out the game) and Cam Eardley, who came off with concussion, make a speedy recovery.

This Saturday, East Fremantle take on Swan Districts who are fresh off a win against South Fremantle. The game takes place at Steel Blue Oval at 2:15pm.

Goals: 2 R.Lester-smith, B.Dalziell, 1 R.O'Brien, J.Schleicher, M.Boyle, B.Ellis, R.Young, J.McNamara

Best: B.Williamson, A.Stephen, R.O'Brien, L.Anthony, M.Jupp, J.McNamara

Photo Gallery

Colts

In earlier games Claremont proved way too strong for both the Colts and the Development League sides.

After a strong three weeks, the Colts’ boys fronted up to a very fierce, well disciplined Claremont team, who gave them neither time nor space to move the ball with any freedom.  That, in combination with the Sharks having an off day, meant the Tigers was able to extend their lead at each break, eventually running out convincing 47 point winners.

There were a few boys who worked hard throughout the day.  Zachary Fowler, in his debut game, battled hard out of full back and won his duel on the day.  Promising 17 year old Cameron Zuhaar provided a target forward, with some telling marks and his attack on the ball was excellent and had he made the most of his opportunities in front of goal (0.3) he would have had an excellent day out.  Michael Cronan continued his outstanding run of form and Jamie Meade played arguably his best game for the season.

East Fremantle            3.7 = 25           def. by             Claremont       10.12 = 72

GOALS
East Fremantle: 2 S.Lewis, 1 A.Newton

BEST
East Fremantle: J.Meade, M.Cronan, C.Zurhaar, T.Marshall, L.Pearton, Z.Fowler

Development League

The story unfortunately was not much better for the Development League team, going down 47 points also.  After a competitive first half, the Sharks were down by only 4 points, albeit that the Tigers were wasteful in front of goal, kicking 1.13 for the half.

The third quarter was an arm wrestle for the most part, but with our boys kicking with the aid of a strong breeze, they just couldn’t get their noses in front.  With Claremont then kicking with the breeze in the final quarter the flood gates opened and with a 6 goal to 1 stanza the game was well and truly put to bed.

East Fremantle            5.7 = 37           def. by             Claremont       11.18 = 84

GOALS
East Fremantle: 2 T.Bowey, 1 D.Coulthard, M.Baseden, J.Locantro
BEST
East Fremantle: A.Holmes, B.Barone, J.Cuneo, M.Baseden, J.Locantro

16s Development

The final game of the evening featured the Sharks and Tigers 16’s Academy teams.  Both have enjoyed very good carnivals and this game didn’t disappoint.  The game was an arm wrestle from start to finish, with a number of lead changes throughout.

However Claremont was able to take a couple of opportunities up forward in the last quarter whereby a couple for East Fremantle went begging, but nonetheless it was a quality game from two very competitive sides.

The final match for the 16’s carnival will take place this Wednesday against Swan Districts at Steel Blue, with the game beginning at 11:00am.

East Fremantle            6.3 = 39           def. by             Claremont       6.10 = 46

Goals:  3 Eardley, 2 Collard, 1 Jenzen

Best:  Jones, Minervini, Eardley