CLAREMONT has progressed to the final four of the Foxtel Cup with a commanding 46-point win over the Northern Bullants in the third quarter-final of the competition at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
The Tigers were barely challenged all game and established themselves as a real contender to take out the inaugural state-based Foxtel Cup, kicking four goals in the first term before slamming home six in the second quarter to take control of the game.
Though the Bullants did have a better second half, restricting the Tigers to only three goals for the half and kicking four themselves, Claremont was too strong and won 13.12 (90) to the Bullants' 7.2 (44).
Former Carlton midfielder Luke Blackwell picked up 20 possessions in a dominant performance for the Tigers, and Kane Mitchell was also prominent with 19 disposals.
Fremantle midfielder Byron Schammer was also a strong contributor with two goals and 12 possessions, and exciting forward Tom Lee booted three goals.
For the Bullants, senior Carlton midfielder Ryan Houlihan had 17 disposals as he pushed for a return to the Blues' senior side, while Blues' forward Rohan Kerr also had 17 touches.
The pair was also two of seven individual goalkickers for the Bullants, while ruckman Robert Warnock had nine possessions and 24 hit-outs, having missed the past two weeks with concussion.
Though the Bullants' Ash Arrowsmith, who was formerly on West Coast's rookie list, kicked the first goal of the game with a superb set shot from outside 50, it was Claremont's response which highlighted the gulf between the two teams.
The Tigers lifted a gear midway through the first quarter and kicked four consecutive goals to take a 21-point lead at quarter-time.
Claremont was using the middle of the ground as its main avenue to goal and the Bullants had no answer for their quick and slick ball movement. When the ball was on the ground, too, the Tigers' small forward line was causing difficulties for the Bullants, being too agile for their taller opponents.
Though the Bullants were again outplayed in the second term by Claremont, it was a diabolical last minute of the half which ruined the Bullants' chances of a comeback.
The Tigers booted three goals in the final minute, and quickly turned a 29-point lead into 47 on the half-time siren to go into the main change with an almost unbeatable lead.
The Bullants returned from half-time and managed to halt the onslaught when Houlihan pushed forward to kick the first goal of the half. They kept up the intensity for the rest of the half and won it by one point, but the damage had already been done in the opening two quarters.
Claremont joins East Perth as the second team from the WAFL through to the semi-finals of the Foxtel Cup, and will face the winner of next week's clash between Port Adelaide and North Adelaide in the next round.
Claremont 4.3 10.6 12.8 13.12 (90)
Northern Bullants 1.0 3.1 5.2 7.2 (44)
GOALS
Claremont: Arrowsmith, Houlihan, Kerr, Marcon, Saad, Twomey, Warnock
Northern Bullants: Lee 3, Schammer 2, Wilkes 2, Brabazon, Broome, Handley, McLernon, Orzel, Richardson
BEST
Claremont: Blackwell, Mitchell, Orzel, Stevenson, Schammer, Lee, Wilkes
Northern Bullants: Houlihan, Kerr, Cachia, Arrowsmith, McCorkell, Joseph, Warnock
By Callum Twomey courtesy of afl.com.au
Last Modified on 11/06/2011 19:47