West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Monday 10 May 1937, page 6


CLAREMONT'S STEADINESS.. Challenge by South Fremantle. More polished in its play throughout and steadier under pressure, Claremont, after withstanding a vigorous and momentarily successful challenge in the third quarter, defeated South Fremantle at the Fremantle Oval on Saturday. In converting a 28-point leeway into a twopoint lead at three-quarter time South Fremantle revealed its best form to date. It was unable to sustain the effort, however, and Claremont retrieved the position. The teams were:CLAREMONT.-Backs: Sutherland, Batt, S. Moloney. Half-backs: Headon, Clarke, Grieve. Centres: Morris, G. Moloney, Hoeken. Half-for. wards: Bee. . Iawn, O'Reilly. Forwards: -Young, Hopkins. Maitland. Ruck: Reeves, E. Guthrie, [Hooper (rover). Nineteenth man: Edmeades (replaced Guthrie, injured ankle, in last quarter). SOUTH FBEMANTLE.-Backs: Hacan, Noble, Hugall. Half-backs: F. Brown. D. Doig, Dodd. Centres: Miller. Jenkins, Lewington. Half-for. wards: Mason, Cain, White. Forwards: Richardcon. Poole, J. Doig. Ruck: Hightam. Presser, Orr (rover). Nineteenth man: Chapman. UMPIRE.-Thompson. Gaining an early ascendancy in the ruck, Claremont launched a fruitless attack; success met the next attempt when Hopkins opened the scoring with a goal. Soccer tactics were resorted to before South Fremantle's rigged methods yielded

a goal. Batt and Headon were prominent in defence for Claremont, while Orr, labouring under dificulties, was a hard worker for South Fremantle. Superior in the air and deriving full benefit from better organised forward lines, Claremont gained and retained a slight lead in the first quarter, the scores being 3.3 to 3.1. Play had been even, with playess on both aides frequently perplexed by the umpire's rulings. South Fremantle's defence was sorely tried in the opening minutes of the second term during which Claremont increased its advantage by two goals. The dash and system of Claremont caused South Fremantle discomfiture and it was with sighs of relief that the home team was finally able to assume the offensive and, thanks to clever play by Jenkins and Poole, secure two badly needed goals. Jenkins was more than holding his own with G. Moloney in the centre, while D. Doig was creditably performing the task of subduing R. Lawn. South Fremantle was now handling the ball better but the persistency with which the backs left Claremont's forwards unattended had disastrous results. Play became rugged and hotly contested. Maitland and Reeves gave Claremont strength in the ruck, while Cain was rendering invaluable service to his side on the halfforward line. Interfered with, White scored South Fremantle's seventh goal with a beautiful punt. Claremont, with 11.6 to 7.2, appeared to have the situation in hand at half-time. A shock awaited Claremont, as South Premantle immediately took command and J. Doig in less than a minute had goaled. Claremont tried vainly to pierce the opposing defence. South PFremsntle was revealing wonderful determination in its uphill battle. Jenkins began many attacks and of which Poole, easily the best of South Premantle's forwards, scored three goals. The umpire's leniency again induced ruggedness and severe treatment was meted out before a penalty was awarded) Orr was roving in fine style and, with Cain, Jenkins and D. Doig, played a conspicuous part in their side's recovery. Bait and S. Moloney were solid in defence for Claremont and O'Reilly also did valuable but unavailing work. The quarter ended with the scores, 12.8 to 12.6, in South Fremantle's favour. Bringing on its nineteenth man, Claremon was first to attack, Reeves hitting the post from an acute angle. D. Doig cleared brilliantly and Jenkins made a gallant endeavour to score. Claremont had recovered its composure and. with Headon playing a dashing and daring game in the back lines, held South Premantle at bay.* Claremont had again settled down to systematic football and goals from Bee and Lawn (a magnificent kick) placed it in an unassailable position. A shoulder injury forced Bee to retire a few minutes before time. Scores were: .... 15.10 (100pts.) SOUTH FREMANTLE 1.12 (84pts.) Scorers.--Claremont: Hopkins, 4.2; Reeves, 3.3; Lawn, 3.1; Bee, 2.0; Hooper, 1.2; O'Reilly and Young, 1.0 each; Maitland, 0.2. South Premantle: Poole, 4.5; Richardson, 3.1; White, 2.3; J. Doig, Cain and Orr, LO each; Mason, 0.2; Hlgham, 0.1. With individuals showing up at intervals Claremont had no really outstanding performer. Headon, however, was consistently under notice in the back lines and gave particularly good service in the last quarter; he handled the ball with certainty and rarely failed in his disposal to a team-mate. Reeves had no superior as a follower and his work in a forward pocket was also valuable. Batt played his usual useful game while G. Moloney, R. Lawn, Grieve and Hooper had moments of brilliance. In Jenkna and D. Doig south Premantle had two fine players. Both had difacult jobs to do and, in gaining the mastery over such notable marksmen as G. Moloney and Lawn, performed meritoriously. Doig was awarded the patron's trophy for the best player. Cain also gave a good account of himself and, although he was watched over by Clarke, he instituted many moves and combined effectively with Poole, who also played splendidly in the forward lines. Orr roved tirelessly, while Hugall and Prosser each did his share of work.