2013 WARL Premiership
Saturday June 15, 2013 – Round 12
Bears Finish Strong Over Lions
After a slow start to the game against South Perth Lions, Willagee Bears fought back with a good second half to have an impressive 38 to 26 win.
In an unusual start to the game, the Lions scored on the kick off with Isaac Thomas picking up a loose ball in the try zone to go to a 6 nil lead without a tackle being laid. They looked like they were going to run over the top of the Bears and built a 16 nil lead by the ten minute mark.
The Bears rallied with some good line breaks and searching runs to go to the half time break just six points behind with a 14 to 20 score line. In the second half South Perth were reduced to a 12 man line up and the Bears to a three man bench after some send offs on the half time break.
Willagee then leveled the scores five minutes after the break and started to build momentum which the Lions were unable to stop. The Lions got within range a few times but because of the depleted line up could not push the ball over the line.
Coach of South Perth Nathan Johnson was frustrated with being down a player in the second half.
“It seemed too easy for us to go away from what we do well. Whether we are in front or behind we have to stick to our guns and win games”.
Best players were Rhys Peakman and Jarek Goebel for the Bears and Kale Burton and Brandon Timlin for the Lions.
Fremantle Roosters were on top of Joondalup Giants from the outset with a 22 to 6 half time lead and a final score of 52 to 12. Both sides were not at full strength due to injuries and state representative players rested after last week. Best players for Fremantle were Gareth Morgan and Josh Upton with Alastair Harris and Mark Ione for the Giants.
Rockingham Sharks backed up last week’s win with a solid 44 to 8 win over Kalamunda Bulldogs. It should have been better according to coach Jamie Papa, and he still believes his side is capable of performing better than it is.
They are sitting in fifth position and trying to gain ground on the teams above, to give themselves a better chance come finals time. They will get their opportunity next week when they take on top side Fremantle. It will be a big ask, but if they are to be a threat they need to start beating sides like the Roosters.
The main game next week though will be the clash between North Beach and Willagee, which is a must win for both sides to claim second spot on the ladder.
Game Results
First Grade
Willagee Bears 38 – South Perth Lions 26
Rockingham Sharks 44 – Kalamunda Bulldogs 8
Fremantle Roosters 50 – Joondalup Giants 12
BYE: North Beach Sea Eagles
Premier Grade
Willagee Bears 44 – South Perth Lions 30
Rockingham Sharks 30 – Kalamunda Bulldogs 30
Fremantle Roosters 24 – Joondalup Giants 16
North Beach Sea Eagles 90 – South West Warriors 16
Under 18
South Perth Lions 46 – Willagee Bears 20
Kalamunda Bulldogs 38 – Rockingham Sharks 20
North Beach Sea Eagles 50 – South West Warriors 10
League Tag
South Perth Lions 42 – Willagee Bears 4
Rockingham Sharks 15 – Kalamunda Bulldogs 14
Fremantle Roosters 16 – Joondalup Giants 16
North Beach Sea Eagles 20 – South West Warriors 0
by Richard Campbell