6 September 2009
So here we are, September action. The Filthy Fifths were up against the Kalamunda Bulls in the minor semi-final, at an hour far too early to play rugby, and what’s more, a SUNDAY. No one plays rugby on Sundays ... not the might of Fifth Grade anyway. Perth-Bayswater comfortably accounted for the Bulls in the first half of the season, but the Bulls came back with an upset win 16-14 in the return match. Copper and Heidi the Physio arrived late on the scene: Copper’s excuse was that he got lost — so much for asking a policeman for directions! As the team left the Rockingham changerooms, the rain began at a breezy Lark Hill.
The Baysie boys were there to play and immediately attacked from the outset. Shane "Barr Fridge" charged down an attempted clearing kick which Matt "Dummy Spitter" Sefton tidied up and secured good attacking ball. Dwain "The Train" Barr swept blind from the ensuing ruck, got outside the defence and dotted down out wide. The conversion was, um, poor! Perth marched straight back onto attack and showed they were ready to rumble. From a scrum 15 metres out, Charlie Tutuvaha picked up off the back before unloading to Barr Fridge, who broke through two defenders to drive over for the second of the day. Barr Fridge converted about 10 metres from touch, and the score was 12-0. The backrow of Kovacs, Tutuvaha and Moehaeu were beating the Bulls to the breakdown, and the tight five destroyed the Bulls in the set piece. Not to be outdone, "Dummy Spitter" and Adrian were busy carving the Bulls' backline defence up and putting the Train through some gaping holes. The rain began to set in and Perth began to relax. Loose defensive work around the rucks allowed numbers for Kalamunda on the shortside — they took advantage and scored close to the posts to claw back to 12-7. Although much improved, some ill discipline at the breakdown gave the Bulls a chance for another three points which they took. The Dummy Spitter was directing traffic and great kicking in general play got Perth out of trouble. Half time, 12-10.
The second half began in pouring rain, and the game tightened up. Handling errors were plentiful in the wet, but Adrian led the backs in defence, shutting down any chances while Sonna was rock solid at fullback and Sam chased every clearing kick — stopping any quick lineout throws by the Bulls. The Bulls started to tire and the penalties mounted. Perth camped in the Bulls’ half and after a quick tap, set up a ruck on their tryline. Barr Fridge found the Bulls’ forwards napping and took the quarterback sneak over the ruck, touching down to the right of the sticks. He popped over the conversion for a more comfortable 19-10 lead. More ill discipline from the Bulls allowed Barr Fridge a penalty shot from long range which hit the cross bar. Fonz provided staunch resistance on the wing, and Bert dominated the lineout, albeit upside-down at times which ultimately resulted in a yellow card for the Bulls. The forward pack continued to perform beautifully as a unit, with the overall experience and skill proving too much for the Bulls to handle. Rodge, Bushy, Copper, Bo, Bert, Cliffy, and Dale in conjunction with the team's superb loose forwards were showing the way. The continued pressure eventually told on the Bulls, and quick hands from the backs linked up with the Train, who scooted around the exhausted Bulls defenders with Fridge in close support to score the match-sealing try out wide. The conversion missed for a final 24-10 scoreline.
A great team, family, friends and supporters barbecue was well organised and put on by our number 1 ticket holders, Kelly Westaway and Japie. Despite the inclement weather, a great afternoon was enjoyed before switching focus to this Saturday’s game against Wests-Subiaco, who went down to Nedlands 10-5. Minor rounds bragging rights were shared evenly by the teams, and once again the Filthy Fifths will be out to prove that when they turn up mentally switched on and believe in themselves, they are a formidable unit!
In Saturday's major semi-final, Perth-Bayswater Under 18s, coached by Dean Carlisle, backed up their minor premiership with a 38-20 win over arch-rivals Associates, going straight into the grand final on September 20.
Under 18s opened strongly with enormous focus and hit Soaks with two early tries. The teams played to their game pattern from the outset and dominated territory to deprive Soaks of scoring opportunities. When Soaks did have the ball, Perth's defence was strong, although Soaks kicked a lot while Perth ran the ball back at them. Perth's scrum was dominant and the lineout was outstanding, winning a number of Soaks' throws with competitive jumping at the front.
Perth led 24-6 at half time but eased off in the second half, turning over ball to allow Soaks back into the game in the early stages. But the lads regrouped and finished the game strongly with a couple of late tries to wrap up the semi-final win.
Tries were scored by James Eliaschewsky (2), Jerome Rameka, Jordan Simi, Jack Garrett and Joel Bertucci, while Dylan Johnson-Timu kicked four conversions.
This was one of the team's better games against their arch-rivals this season although the win could have been bigger if focus had been maintained. The team will face either Associates or Kalamunda in the grand final depending on the outcome of the preliminary final on Saturday. The team's attitude and skill level has increased dramatically over the last six weeks and if they execute their game properly they are a very good chance of winning the premiership.
The Women's team played their final competition game on Saturday, winning 20-5 over Kalamunda. They start their finals series with their major semi-final, also against Kalamunda, at McGillivray Oval on Saturday.