WAFL: Lions take third-straight North Perth Community Bank Cup

Subiaco has recaptured their winning form in style, knocking off the top of the ladder Royals by 41 points at Leederville Oval on Saturday July 29.

In a clash the Lions needed to win to create separation within the top five, they started off strong with five first quarter goals.

The Lions’ accuracy in front of goal went a long way towards the side’s success, kicking just two behinds from 17 scores off the boot.

It helped them record a 15.5 (95) to 7.12 (54) win to retain the North Perth Community Bank Cup for the third consecutive season.

Subiaco’s supply was largely helped with the silver service of Zac Clarke, dominated in the ruck with 46 hit outs and 24 disposals.

Meanwhile, Ben Sokol looks to have found his groove, kicking three goals for the second consecutive week while gathering 18 touches.

The win moves the Lions up to third on the ladder, ahead of the side’s bye in round 17.

It took the Lions less than two minutes to assert themselves on the match, with Ryan Borchet kicking the opening goal.

It was a first term Subiaco dominated, kicking five goals to two, starting on the front foot.

This involved Taj Schofield kicking two goals, including a fine finish from the boundary.

However, the Royals refused to back away, kicking a goal either side of quarter time to help bring the margin back down to 11 points.

Stef Giro popped up shortly after, kicking a goal through traffic, but it was countered by East Perth.

The thorn in the Royal’s side was Borchet, who continued to hit the scoreboard to keep the Lions ahead prior to half time.

The third quarter is where Subiaco went to work.

With the game on the line, the Lions piled on the pain, kicking six goals to one to create separation from the Royals.

It helped set up the win for Subiaco, who took their 16th victory over East Perth across the past 20 matches between the two sides.

SUBIACO 5.2 7.4 13.5 15.5 (95)

EAST PERTH 2.0 4.6 5.8 7.12 (54)

Goals: Borchet 4, Schofield 3, Sokol 3, Giro 2, Walters, Mayo, Kentfield.

Best: Clarke, Sokol, Schofield, Dewar, Kentfield.
 

RESERVES

Subiaco has fallen short in the Reserves, going down by three points to the Royals.

After an even first term, the Royals began to make their push, leading by 34 points at half time.

However, The Lions refused to give in, kicking six goals to two to get themselves back in it.

Subiaco managed to take a nine-point lead with 12 minutes to go, but East Perth fought back.

In the end, a goal within the last two minutes was enough to seal victory for the Royals.

Josh Robbins put on the pressure all day, with 15 disposals and eight tackles to be one of the Lions’ best.

SUBIACO 2.1 3.2 9.2 13.5 (83)

EAST PERTH 2.5 8.6 10.7 13.8 (86)

Goals: Muavou 3, Farmer 2, South 2, Bartlett 2, Patterson, Robbins, Hitchcock, Wagenknecht.

Best: Robbins, Vanirsen, Matthews, Muavou, Eaton, Clinch.
 

COLTS

The Colts won a one-point thriller over the Royals in the early game.

They showed dominance throughout the contest, leading by 20 points for most of the contest.

However, the Royals were able to fight back from 26 points down in the fourth term, kicking the last four goals of the game.

But time proved to be the enemy, with Subiaco’s early hard work seeing them take the four points.

Tyler Senge continued his good form, with 29 touches and seven marks, and Xavier Hickey performed well with 16 disposals and six marks.

SUBIACO 4.2 4.5 7.5 8.6 (54)

EAST PERTH 1.2 3.2 4.4 8.5 (53)

Goals: Wills 2, Burke, Champion, Douglas, Walsh, Montgomery, Mibus.

Best: Senge, Hickey, MacRae, O’Keefe, Wills.