WAFL: Lions retain North Perth Community Bank Cup

Subiaco have won a 13-point arm-wrestle against Leederville Oval co-tenants East Perth to win the North Perth Community Bank Cup.

It was a see-sawing contest, with a significant northerly breeze meaning the Lions were kicking with the wind in the fourth quarter.

With the game on the line, the Lions held their nerve and outscored the Royals to win 10.9 (69) to 8.8 (56).

Angus Dewar continues to impress up forward, kicking three goals, while midfielder Liam Hickmott found plenty of the football with 33 disposals.

Meanwhile Harry Marsh was influential with 22 touches, and Drew Rohde led the way for the backline with 20 disposals and five tackles.

The two sides faced wet conditions all day, with players struggling to keep their feet at times.

As the rain poured, the ball got heavier and meant teams needed to play smart.

It was Subiaco who struck early, with Dewar putting on the afterburners to kick the first for the day.

However, East Perth were quick on the reply, kicking the next three to get a 15-point advantage at quarter time.

Subiaco looked to pile on the pressure in the second term.

The majority of the play was inside the Lions’ forward 50, but the first half of the quarter proved difficult to get scores on the board.

There was plenty of repeat stoppages, but Subiaco did well to keep it in their half of the ground.

After 15 minutes of play, Dewar was again involved in the chain of scoring, with a lovely kick out in front to Jordan Snadden who converted for goal.

Brandon Matera shortly after found the goals, as did Ryan Borchet to make it three in a row for the home side.

Although East Perth fought back, the backline appeared too strong, rebounding everything that came their way. 

To finish the quarter, Dewar again showed off his speed, outrunning his opponent and soccering through the Lions’ fourth in a row to lead by 12 points at half time.

With the wind assisting the Royals in the third, they fought back to set up a thrilling finish.

East Perth’s Angus Scott kicked the first of the term, before Subiaco replied.

Aaron Breman found Angus Dewar inside 50, who converted for his third goal, and one against the flow of play.

However, the Royals wouldn’t back away, kicking the next two to take back the lead.

A late goal from Jordan Faraone helped the Lions to a four-point lead with one quarter to play.

East Perth got on the board early in the term to get ahead, but it didn’t deter Subiaco.

Ben Sokol was the recipient of a lace-out pass from Wil Hickmott, and converted to put his side in front.

From there Ryan Borchet caught fire, kicking back to back goals to put the result beyond the Royals' reach.

Earlier in the day, the reserves weren't able to get the job done, taking a narrow 12-point loss, while the Colts stormed home with an emphatic 41-point victory.

Next week the Lions will head to Fremantle Community Bank Oval for round 18, where they will take on South Fremantle on Saturday August 20.

SUBIACO 1.1 5.5 7.5 10.9 (69)
EAST PERTH 3.4 3.5 6.7 8.8 (56)

Goals: Borchet, Dewar 3; Faraone, Matera, Snadden, Sokol.
Best: Dewar, Marsh, Kitchin, Borchet, Rohde.