Tigers pounce on Swans

CLAREMONT 7.1 9.3 12.5 15.6 (96)

SWAN DISTRICTS 2.3 4.5 5.5 8.7 (55)

Claremont (Reserves) recorded its third straight win with a 41-point defeat of Swan Districts at the Showgrounds last Sunday.

A seven-goal-to-two opening quarter was the catalyst in the Tigers’ 15.6 (96) to 8.7 (55) triumph, and sees the team just one win and percentage off top spot on the ladder.

Haydn Busher continued his prolific form with 45 disposals, nine marks and five tackles, while Jared Hardisty responded to his League omission with 33 disposals, eight tackles and six inside 50s.

Rowen Powell (31 disposals) was also busy, while Harry Sinclair and Luke Maddock were impressive in defence and Adam Speed (47 hit outs) dominated the ruck.

Ben Higgs kicked five goals, while Gerrick Weedon combined his duties in the forward line and midfield to finish with 19 disposals, six tackles and three goals.

Swans were best served by Ben Holman (20 disposals, six tackles), Warrick Wilson (18 disposals, 14 tackles) and Josh Cipro, while Shannon Stack and Tyson Hodge kicked two goals.

Hardisty, John Williams, Matthew Ehlers and Ben Musitano came into Claremont’s team who defeated East Fremantle eight days earlier, with Harrison McCracken, Justin Speed, Zac Langdon and Francis Watson all earning League promotions and Ian Rowe making way.

Goals to Hugo Breakey, Musitano and Higgs gave the Tigers a blistering start and 19-point lead, before Weedon added his first major.

A pair of goals to Higgs (three) saw Claremont take a 37-point lead over the scoreless Swans, before 50m penalties saw Justin Shand and Hodge respond for the visitors.

Williams then left the field in a groggy state in what was a brief concern for Claremont, before a late goal to Alex Manuel gave the Tigers a 28-point lead at quarter-time.

A scintillating first quarter was built on the back of dominant performances in midfield by Hardisty and Busher, with the powerful pairing joined by Weedon for the second term.

A free kick allowed Musitano to kick his second goal and extend Claremont’s advantage, before Stack and Dylan Smith responded for Swans.

Weedon was making his presence felt through strong tackling, before a late goal to Ashley Fitzgerald saw the Tigers retain their 28-point lead at half-time.

A second goal to Stack saw Swans close to within 22 points early in the third term, before Higgs (fourth), Fitzgerald (second) and Weedon (second) replied for Claremont to give the Tigers an unassailable 42-point lead at the final change.

Goals to Harrison Court and Higgs (fifth) blew the lead out to 52 points in the fourth quarter, before Hodge (second), John Shaw and Josh Power replied for Swans.

However, a late goal to Weedon (third) capped off a fine performance by Claremont and saw the team record its seventh win for the season.

The Tigers will now cool their heels for two weeks before hosting West Perth at the Showgrounds in Round 13 on June 18.

Meanwhile, Claremont defeated Swan Districts by 50 points in the Colts, 11.16 (82) to 4.8 (32).

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 5 B. HIGGS, 3 G. WEEDON, 2 B. MUSITANO, A. FITZGERALD, 1 H. BREAKEY, H. COURT, A. MANUEL.

SWAN DISTRICTS: 2 T. HODGE, S. STACK, 1 D. SMITH, J. POWER, J. SHAW, J. SHAND.

BEST

CLAREMONT: H. BUSHER, B. HIGGS, J. HARDISTY, G. WEEDON, H. SINCLAIR, R. POWELL.

SWAN DISTRICTS: B. HOLMAN, W. WILSON, J. CIPRO, T. HODGE.