Perth pummel Palmyra

An undermanned but enthusiastic Palmyra First Grade team were no match for a powerful Perth combination today.

In the first half, with a howling wind, Perth made little headway, scoring only 3 penalties to end the first half 9 points up. At that point Palmyra supporters had every expectation that Pally would respond in the second half as the wind was worth at least 21 points to the side kicking with it.

Palmyra had a number of opportunities and most the first half was played in their attacking zone but there was no conversion of territory into points. Perth's Japanese winger punished every loose ball coming his way, gaining 50-80 metres of territory with each kick, and although Palmyra were quick in resuming the attack a lot of energy was expended in regaining cheap yards.

In the second half however, Perth showed their mettle, driving the ball through their forwards and denying Palmyra possession. Fate was against the home side, as the wind died down to a gentle zephyr, and provided no advantage.

I am not sure at whose request, but fifteen minutes into the second half the scrums became uncontested although Perth were having the best of those encounters. Perth lost a second rower and Andre, their centre, to what appeared to be moderately serious injuries but it did not stop their momentum.

Palmyra seriously missed the penetration of its Fijian wingers and was found lacking in the front row. Surprisingly, Academy 5/8 James Stannard's absence was not as desperately missed due to the outstanding performance of half-back Jason Burke and the ever-reliable workmanship of flankers Jerry and Tommy.

At the end of the day Perth showed more desperation and determination over 80 minutes and whilst assisted by some sympathetic refereeing they deserved to win. The final score of 22 to 6 properly reflected the efforts of the two teams.

In other grades - Colts lost by a try or so; Third Grade lost by a couple of points; Fifth Grade scraped home; and Sixth Grade lost by 3 points. The Bunbury team that beat Pally 6 played again as Fourth Grade and flogged Nedlands by over 50 points (go figure!).