WAFLW: Lions late surge not enough to secure win over Falcons

Subiaco have fallen short of what would have been a remarkable come from behind win at Leederville Oval on Sunday April 30. The Lions left it late, but were surging in the last quarter to bring the margin back down to six points. With the clock ticking down, each side was giving it their all to get their team the four points.

However, West Perth had done enough work earlier in the game to walk away 5.5 (35) to 4.6 (30) winners.

Grace Hahnel provided drive from the wing, with 17 disposals and four inside 50s, while Clare McCarthy was strong in defence to give Subiaco a fighting chance. Jess Ritchie kicked off the match for the Lions, kicking the first goal of the day.

However, the Falcons would respond, with Tia Bergin kicking truly to give her side a three-point lead at quarter time. In the second term, West Perth continued their push to get ahead in the game.

They kicked back to back majors, with the Lions getting caught on transition at times. Defensively, the Falcons were set up well, and gave little opportunity for Subiaco to get forward.

However, on the eve of the half time siren, Ritchie once again stood up taking a contested mark. She slotted the goal to reduce the margin to 15 points. Subiaco looked to get back into the contest, but West Perth’s defence was up to the task.

The Lions’ intensity had improved, but they lacked polish when going inside 50. The Falcons took advantage, and Grace Betti kicked a goal at the other end to stretch the lead to 21 points.

Everything had to go right for the Lions in the last quarter, and Kelsey Patterson got the side going with an early goal. All of a sudden it was West Perth on the back foot, and Subiaco were taking the game on.

Repeat inside 50s had given the Lions opportunities, but they weren’t able to capitalise.Hayley Corlett however dribbled through a goal, bringing the margin back to six points. After a frantic final few minutes, West Perth had done enough to hold on for an 11-point win.

SUBIACO 1.0 2.1 2.4 4.6 (30)

WEST PERTH 1.3 4.5 5.5 6.5 (41)

Goals: Ritchie 2, Corlett, Patterson.

Best: Hahnel, Ritchie, Golisano, McCarthy, Epis.