Reserves: Coastal Titans vs Swan Districts
Two very nervous teams lined up for the Pre-liminary Finals on Sunday 19/8 at Browne’s Stadium for the chance to play in next week’s Grand Final. Right from the first bounce down, Swan Districts played the centre corridor, which resulted in a goal within the first few minutes. Swans took on the role of sweeper effectively, initiating many of the turnover tackles and smothers to keep the pressure on Coastal Titans early. Strong perseverance from Coastal Titans resulted in their first goal at the 10 minute mark. A great first quarter saw some really close scores with Coastal Titans in front by 1 point. Both teams were almost evenly matched for speed and height.
Crucial errors early in the 2nd quarter by Swans defenders allowed Coastal Titans numerous attempts at goal. Coastal Titans shone through, with pinpoint passing to set their forwards up, especially the Full Forward, who truly began to dominate. As the quarter unfolded, Swans really struggled to keep pace with the Titans running ability. Swans were winning the ruck taps but losing central clearances to the more efficient Titans rovers. A scoreless 2nd quarter for the Swans cost them dearly with Titans going into half time, up by an impressive 5 goals. Both teams came off the ground worse for wear after some jarring physical contact throughout the first half.
Swans came out firing in the 3rd quarter, kicking their first goal in the first minute and lining up for another in quick succession. Titans replied with great roving at the 5mins mark to score their first of the quarter. When Swans went direct, they created several goal scoring opportunities. Titans defence held firm with hard running from numerous players.
Early in the 4th quarter a 50m penalty saw the Swans lining up for their 4th goal, only to spray it to the right. Titans rebounded immediately to score a point at their end. The umpires did a great job all day and 2 Swans indiscretions resulted in the Titans Full Forward lining up for her 3rd goal of the game from point blank range. Possessions see-sawed in the remainder of the 4th quarter even though Coastal Titans had comfortably won, with both teams playing the game out.
Cleaner disposals by hand and foot, hard running, gutsy smothers along with pinpoint accuracy were trademarks of the Titans win.
Final scores were Coastal Titans 12. 8 – 8 defeated Swan Districts 4.3- 27.
They will come up against Claremont Piranhas in the Grand Final on Sunday at 12.00pm.
League: Coastal Titans vs Swan Districts
A rematch of the Reserves lined up for the league clash. Titans drew first blood with a goal in the first few minutes. One way traffic in the 1st quarter resulted in 3 quick goals to Titans with Swans defenders working overtime. Swans opened the 2nd quarter with several attempts into their scoring 50, but were unable to convert. Titans countered with 2 quick goals. Up until half time the game consisted of good physical contests, but a lack of conversions with Swans goal less at half time.
Swans needed to score early in the 3rd quarter but again, one way traffic resulted in Titans putting the first scores on the board. Two goals in quick succession brought the crowd alive. Titans responded by dominating the next 5 minutes with 3 quick goals that Swans had no answers for, to lead the final change by 7 goals.
Against the tide, Swans managed to score the 1st goal of the 4th quarter, the result of some fierce tackling and a change of tactics to go straight down the centre corridor. Time and time again, Titans defenders repelled the Swans attack with timely intercepts, accurate passing and explosive running out of the backline. Swans kept persevering, and after a soccer style goal quickly followed up with another goal. Swans were within 3 goals in the dying minutes of the quarter.
A very good fight by the Swans, who it seemed had run out of legs as the final siren deemed Coastal Titans just too good on the day.
Final scores were; Coastal Titans 9.8 - 62 defeated Swan Districts 6.6 - 42.
East Fremantle will play Coastal Titans in the Grand Final on Sunday 26/8/12 at 2.30pm.
Last Modified on 23/08/2012 00:02