Palmyra v Cottesloe Game report
An eightieth-minute penalty from Cottesloe’s fullback Dave Cloete has stolen his side a fighting two-point victory over Palmyra, in a gritty clash under lights at Tompkins Park on Friday night.
Two late lead changes ensured a frantic conclusion to the lively contest, but the visitors eventually had the last laugh, delivering the home side with their first loss for 2009.
In an entertaining contest, both sides enjoyed their fair share of opportunity, and were virtually inseparable throughout until Palmyra’s inside-centre Kona Feranti booted what appeared to be a match-winning drop goal in the seventy-fifth minute.
Though, plagued by poor discipline, needless indiscretions eventually proved to be the home side’s downfall as they handed the Gulls two opportunities to take the lead during the dying stages.
Kicking erratically throughout the night, Cloete managed to slot just four of his nine penalty attempts, but was accurate when it counted, doing just enough to seal victory for his side.
For the best part of the game the Seagulls got close to, but never quite reached the try line, until a pinpoint chip-kick from winger Matt Bourke allowed towering substitute Pete Altona an avenue to score.
From that moment, the underdog Gulls never looked back, playing many of the final minutes on their terms to make a point and record an impressive triumph.
Earlier, an engaging first half saw a Pally hold a slender three-point lead at the break.
The home side scored two tries-to-none before half-time, however, a string of reckless penalties, including a yellow-card to lock Chris Rankin, kept the Seagulls in the contest.
It was this aggressive approach that ultimately undid the home side however, in a loss that they will learn much from.
The final score was 17 -15.
After the match, Cottesloe’s hero Cloete was stunned after stealing victory for his side.
‘To be honest, I didn’t think while I took it (the kick)’ he told LMSC.com.au exclusively, adding that ‘I thought I’d save the best kick for last.’
Next week, Palmyra will travel to Allen Park for a tough match against Associates, while the Seagulls will host Nedlands at Harvey Field.
Palmyra: 15 (half time 12)
T: Filipa Manu 9, Frank Colonea 39
C: Quentin Anstin 1/2
DG: Kona Feranti 1/1
Yellow Cards: Chris Rankin 31
Cottesloe: 17 (half time 9)
T: Pete Altona 59
P: Dave Cloete 4/9
http://www.lmsc.com.au/news.php?newsid=2878
