WESTERN Australia steadied after a slow start against a determined Allies outfit, to post a 25-point win at Alberton Oval on Saturday. Captain Deven Robertson and fellow midfielder, Trent Rivers stood tall across the game, while forwards Elijah Taylor and Tyrone Thorne booted three goals apiece.

The Allies booted three of the first four goals of the game, but missed a number of chances to go further ahead, with their inaccuracy stretching into the second and third quarters. In that time and including early in the fourth, the West Australians had booted seven consecutive goals to all but put the result beyond doubt.

It had been far from easy for the Sandgropers, with their second goal of the game not coming until almost half an hour after their first, before heading into half-time just six points behind. They then produced their best effort in the premiership quarter with four goals to zero, as Robertson, Rivers, Liam Henry and Taylor led the way, while Luke Jackson broke the shackles with Sam Gaden heading down to the rooms early in the quarter and not returning.

Josh Gore popped up to boot a final term goal and break the drought for the Allies after nine consecutive behinds. James Peatling also made good on an opportunity later in the term, but the class of Taylor and Thorne shone as the designated home side ran out 10.8 (68) to 5.13 (43) winners.

Not only were the likes of Robertson and Rivers accumulators through the middle for Western Australia, they were well assisted by the likes of Riley Garcia and Henry taking the game on. Up either end, Logan McDonald and Denver Grainger-Barras showed promising signs for next year’s draft, while Jeremy Sharp and Cameron Anderson popped up for some nice highlights.

For the Allies, it was Mitch O’Neill who put together an outstanding four-quarter performance to try and will his side over the line thanks to his elite kicking and decision making across the ground. Malcolm Rosas Jr played his best game of the year with a dominant performance including two running plays with five bounces, a number of candy-selling activities and a classy goal which could have been one of a number with a bit of luck. Others who stepped up were Braeden Campbell who was dangerous as a high half-forward and when inside 50, as well as Gaden before coming off injured, and Hamish Ellem continually presenting.

The result means Western Australia is still capable of winning the overall title if the Sandgropers can defeat Vic Country, having knocked off Vic Metro and now the Allies. While they lost to South Australia, the Croweaters’ defeat at the hands of Vic Metro has kept both teams in contention, and with Country to play both Western Australia and South Australia. The Allies on the other hand are not able to win the title this year, but will hope to finish off strong in their remaining two games against Vic Metro and South Australia.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1.0 | 3.2 | 7.6 | 10.8 (68)
ALLIES 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.11 | 5.13 (43)

GOALS:

WA: Thorne 3, Taylor 3, McDonald, Sharp, Jamieson, Jackson
Allies: Gore 2, Rosas, Peatling, Lucas

BEST:

WA: Robertson, Rivers, Thorne, Garcia, Henry, Taylor
Allies: O’Neill, Rosas, Campbell, Gaden, Budarick, Ellem