SWFL fall to Peel in Landmark opener

Clearances machines Jesse Gribble and Brendon Jones led the Peel Football-Netball League to a shock 15-point win over the South West Football League at Hands Oval today.

The Cavaliers dominated the first few minutes of the first and third quarters, which was enough to gain a sizeable advantage at the last break which the SWFL was not able to chase down in the 12.10 (82) to 10.7 (67) defeat.

Gribble (three goals) and Jones dominated the clearances when the visitors were on top, with the Cavs kicking the first four goals of the game and five unanswered goals in the third term.

The SWFL fought back after a slow start in the first quarter, but just managed one goal through Landmark Championship debutant Jaxon Bell.

Augusta-Margaret River forward Jack Hick was a star for the SWFL, taking a number of contested marks around the ground and was awarded one of the match balls after the game for his efforts.

SWFL coach Jamie Nani praised his defenders, who worked tirelessly all game.

“None of their forwards got a hold of them (the defenders). The back six were really good,” he said.

“It was only two lapses. Five or seven minutes in the first quarter and in the third quarter where they kicked their goals.

“They only just beat us in the clearances, but in the third quarter when it matted their clearances were clean.”

South Bunbury’s Brady London was locked into an enthralling battle with Peel forward Joel Houghton, who kicked the first two of the match, but couldmanage just one more for the rest of the game.

Tigers teammate Jon Meadmore was also excellent across half-back, using his skills on both sides of his body in a tireless performance for the day.

The SWFL kicked two goals to one in a tight second term, but Peel were wasteful going forward, with their midfielders unable to hit targets when they presented.

Baldivis’ Callum Black and Halls Head’s Phillip Walshaw showed great pace on the outside of the contest when Peel were on top, taking advantage of the good work in the clearances.

The SWFL side went into half-time with hope of a comeback, but former Bunbury ruckman Jacob Williams kicked two goals as the home side conceded five majors to none.

The margin was an insurmountable 46 points at the final break and the game looked over.

Quick goals to Joel Mahar (two goals) and Hick gave the SWFL hope, but when Gribble booted his third the clock was against the favourites.

The SWFL kicked seven goals to just two in the last term to show their skills, but the siren sounded in the middle of their comeback.

Nani said the loss of experienced players in Kyle Hams, Simon Parry, Travis Gray, Michael Russell, Matt Michael and Braddon Kazakoff had an impact on the result.

“There was some quality that missed, but the guys who played were still good footballers,” he said.

Peel coach Clayton Falkingham said he felt like they put their good work on the scoreboard in the third quarter.

“Gribble knows the oval pretty well,” he said.

“They took it a little easy in the final five or 10 minutes, but we will work on that.

“The South West have been dominant for years, so it was good to come down and get the win.”