By Dan Scamozzi

Claremont’s Reserves defeated West Perth by 49 points at HBF Arena last Saturday to record their fifth consecutive win and maintain their outstanding and consistent form.

Despite scores being level at quarter-time, the Tigers kicked nine goals to two after the opening change to prevail 11.14 (80) to 4.7 (31) and kept the Falcons goalless in the second and scoreless in the final term.

Both teams recorded 41 inside 50s, however, the Tigers had more avenues to goal, with 14 more scoring shots and seven goal kickers to West Perth’s three.

Tom Ledger (31 disposals, four tackles) led from the front with his repeat efforts and attack on the ball to finish as Claremont’s best player and took home the players’ player award, while Jesse Laurie responded to his League omission with an outstanding performance in defence.

Tom Lawrence (three goals), who was moved forward for the second half, showed he can have an impact at both ends, while Lachlan Martinis and Chris (CJ) Oakley (seven tackles, two goals) were other strong performers.

Mitchell Peirce (33 disposals, seven tackles) and Conal Lynch (22 disposals, nine tackles, one goal) led the way for West Perth, however, Michael Ashfield (two goals) was the team’s only multiple goal kicker as the Falcons slumped to their third consecutive defeat.

In wet and cold conditions, Aaron Holt gave Claremont a great start with the first goal of the game after being found by Josh Bennett, before Joel Bennett replied for West Perth.

Oakley then snapped the Tigers’ second goal, before Ashfield made the team pay for an inability to clear the ball deep in defence and replied for the hosts.

A desperate smother by Martinis and inspirational chase and tackle by Holt gave Claremont a strong finish to an entertaining opening term.

A neat transition from defence and 50m penalty allowed Nick Winmar to kick Claremont’s third major and give the team a four-point lead at the four-minute mark of the second term, before Sam Bevan, playing his first game since round six, gave the Tigers consecutive goals.

With Bennett finding plenty of the ball and the Tigers beginning to get the contest on their terms, a second major to Oakley followed a smart tap by the returning Kaiden Gilbert (first game since round six) and an ability by the team to keep the ball moving forward at all costs.

The result was an 18-point lead to the Tigers at half-time.

A front-and-centre crumbing goal to Lawrence gave Claremont four consecutive majors and a great start to the second half, before Lynch kicked West Perth’s first goal since the 15-minute mark of the opening term.

Lawrence then replied with his second after some outstanding pressure by Claremont to lock the ball in their forward half, with Ledger becoming more prominent by the minute.

A 50m penalty allowed Ashfield to kick his second goal, before Bevan did likewise to give the Tigers a 26-point lead at the final change.

A goal to Matt Palfrey gave the Tigers the first goal of every term and a 34-point lead five minutes into the final term, before majors to Gilbert and Lawrence (third) capped off a fine display in ordinary conditions.

The Tigers will now cool their heels before hosting East Fremantle at Claremont Oval in round 12.

Meanwhile, Claremont’s Colts recorded their third consecutive win with a 44-point thumping of West Perth, 10.9 (69) to 3.7 (25).

CLAREMONT 2.2 5.6 8.9 11.14 (80)

WEST PERTH 2.2 2.6 4.7 4.7 (31)

GOALS

CLAREMONT: 3 T. Lawrence, 2 C. Oakley, S. Bevan, 1 M. Palfrey, K. Gilbert, N. Winmar, A. Holt.

WEST PERTH: 2 M. Ashfield, 1 J. Bennett, C. Lynch.

BEST

CLAREMONT: T. Ledger, J. Laurie, T. Lawrence, L. Martinis, C. Oakley.

WEST PERTH: M. Peirce, C. Lynch, Z. Guadagnin, A. Coe.