Perth Kiwi showed more passion to outclass Perth City in the annual ANZAC clash, the major fixture celebrating the bond between Aussies and Kiwis at this time of year. The final result a comfortable 36 – 20 win for the Kiwi side.
The annual clash also serves as a major selection trial for state representative squads and the selectors would have been happy with some of the up and coming talent on show. The state selectors Charlie Burkhardt, Scott Swadel and Coach Justin Nixon were united in their call for some of the newer players to step up. The influx of players into the state and some of the younger players coming through development paths were aware that the slate was clean and they would have an opportunity to prove themselves. One of the benchmarks was commitment, and that was good for both new players and also a test for some of the name players who have been part of recent campaigns.Nixon was also looking at some key positions, “there were a few players not available today, and I am keen to see how the new guys perform. I am also keen to look at the halves and hookers to see who can take up the mantle for the state”.
Perth City scored first after a charge down from Rowen Hastings which he recovered and ran in a try within the first five minutes, the next fifteen was tentative from both sides. Isaac Thomas started the run for the Kiwis going under the posts after 20 minutes, getting the score to 6 – 4. The Kiwis were able to lock the ball into the City half from then on, going over another two times to hold a 16 to 4 half time lead.
In the second half Perth City got some of their more experienced play makers into the game, and hit back after 10 minutes getting the score back to 20 to 16. But just as the City side hit back, the Kiwis were able to regain the initiative to push the lead out again. With fifteen minutes to go, the Kiwis sealed the game with a short kick off after a City try which saw Taj Mailata pick up a bouncing ball and run in a 30 metre try to get the lead back out to 10 points.
Player of the Game was Isaac Thomas from Perth Kiwi. Blaine Edwards also performed well for the Kiwis with Rowen Hastings the best for Perth City.
Other Results
Under 18 – Perth City 46 def Perth Kiwi 20
League Tag – Perth Kiwi 13 def Perth City 6
Under 15 – South of the River 20 def North of the River 0
Under 12 – Southof the River 18 def North of the River 12