North Beach demolish Lions

North Beach Sea Eagles had one of their most decisive wins against South Perth Lions in recent seasons, keeping them scoreless in a 42 to nil demolishing. Considering these two sides are a benchmark in the competition, the size of the win is huge.

Fans at the game could not remember the last time the Lions have been held scoreless. North Beach dominated in all aspects of the game with South Perth seemingly never having any room to get a run when in attack and under constant pressure in defense.

The Sea Eagles went eight points up in the first 10 minutes and looked set for a big game. At half time they got to a 26 to nil lead and then went to 38 points with still 25 minutes left on the clock.

South Perth to their credit did push hard in the final 20 minutes, but they could not break through the lines very often and were forced into errors when they did. Simply, it was North Beach’s outstanding defense that paved the way for the big score line.

Ryan Gundry, coach of North Beach has raised the standard and balance of the team’s game since the start of the year. Their ability against South Perth to set both defensive pressure then attacking pressure was obvious.

“The boys really turned up today, and turned up with the right attitude. I had six guys out, so I’ve still got a lot of depth, it is a credit to the guys that I bring in that they can step up and do the job. In saying that it is only early July so there is still got a long way to go in the season,” Gundry said.

Best players for North Beach were Fred Pakutoa and Ben Taylor, with Pikari Te Wara and Joss Boyton the Lions’ best.

Rockingham Sharks withstood a second half challenge from Fremantle Roosters to win 28 to 20. The Sharks held a 22 to 4 advantage in the first half and were never really in threat of losing the game, but would be concerned with the fade out. It was the second week in a row for Fremantle where they started too slowly and could not get back into the game, something they need to change if they are to challenge the top sides.

Josh Simm was best afield and was backed up by George Ambler for the Sharks. Joseph Skipper and Jon Presley were the Roosters’ best.

After being 10 to 8 up at half time Joondalup Giants ran away in the second half beating Willagee Bears 48 to 8. It was encouraging for the Bears who played their best half of their season, with Coach Paul Abercrombie starting to build his side for better things in the future. The Giants’ best were Craig Richardson and Joel Irvine, with Fred Purcell and Marcus Simmons playing well for the Bears.

In a try for try game Kalamunda Bulldogs won 42 to 30 over Goldfields Titans. Best players were Cairo Takarangi and Glen Walker for the Bulldogs and Ramon Hare and Anton Unahi for the Titans.

Game Results

First Grade
North Beach Sea Eagles 42 – South Perth Lions 0
Rockingham Sharks 28 – Fremantle Roosters 20
Joondalup Giants 48 – Willagee Bears 8
Kalamunda Bulldogs 42 – Goldfields Titans 30

Premier Grade
Kalamunda Bulldogs 38 – South West Warriors 28
North Beach Sea Eagles 28 – South Perth Lions 16
Rockingham Sharks 32 – Fremantle Roosters 22
Willagee Bears 78 – Joondalup Giants 4

Under 18
Kalamunda Bulldogs 46 – South West Warriors 8
South Perth Lions 44 – North Beach Sea Eagles 12
Joondalup Giants 24 – Willagee Bears 6

LeagueTag
South Perth Lions 22 – North Beach Sea Eagles 10
Fremantle Roosters 30 – Rockingham Sharks 0
Joondalup Giants 12 – Willagee Bears 0
Kalamunda Bulldogs 38 – South West Warriors 0