West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Tuesday 6 June 1939, page 17


A SHOCK TO CLAREMONT. Chances Missed by Subiaco. Unexpectedly, Subiaco yesterday caused Claremont great anxiety at Subiaco Oval and lost by only five points in a thrilling finish. While Claremont must be paid credit for winning in trying circumstances--its team was not its best, nor were all its players properly fit--the honours of the game were with Subiaco. But for inaccurate kicking and hasty errors at critical moments, Sublaco must have won. In the first half Subiaco won across the centre and in the ruck and built up what looked likely to be a winning lead. Then Claremont rallied vigorously and Sublaco became unsettled. Determinedly Claremont fought back and, with its players much faster than their opponents, gained the lead for the first time. In the last two minutes of the third term Subiaco suddenly stirred itself and opened out with a show of confidence, scoring two goals. Claremont's kicking for goal in the last quarter was exceptional and the game swung in its favour again. Another late rally by Subiaco after a heavy shower of rain excited the crowd. With 21 minutes to go Sublaco needed a goal to win. Claremont attacks were beaten back, but Subiaco had foolishly adopted short passing and failed. Claremont was without Reeves and Hooper and consequently its ruck suffered; Lovegrove, Reid and G. Moloney were limping at the start. For all that, Claremont did not play impressively until thei third quarter. Subiaco's was an encouraging performance and it handicapped itself by too much wing play when Hardiman was showing good form in the centre-half-forward position. Again Snblaco changes were frequent. Bunton was used too sparingly on the ball and as many as six players acted as goalsneak. Following were the teams:CLAREMONT.-Backs: S. Moloney, Grieve, Sutherland. Hall-backs: Headon. Clarke, Guthrie. Centres: Reid. Lovegrove. Edmeades. Hal-forwards: Hensler, Compton, Gibson. Forwards: Gath, G. Moloney, Baker. Ruck: Bermingham, Hunt, Serieant (rover). Nineteenth man: Boys (replaced Gibson, injured leg, in 'ast quarter). sDBIACO.-Backs: Stuart L. Toll. Strack. Half-baces: Fisher, Brewer. McCallum. Centres Bennett. Williamna Bowe, Half-forwards: Shea, Hardiman, Letch. Forwards: Roe, Bunton. Hadley. Ruck: B. Smith. Beresford. Allen (rover). Nineteenth man: Heffernan (did not play). UMPIRE.-W. Collins. As Subiaco began with the help of a fresh breeze, Hardiman played first as centre-half-forward. He and Clarke were soon keen rivals. The kicking was poor, but Sublaco, winning in the ruck and across the centre, goaled twice. Gibson spurred Claremont on and the play became more even. Beresford, who was shaping nicely, and Hardiman, after a beautiful mark, goaled. Subiaco was playing a wider game than usual, but its shooting for goal was inaccurate. Hard as the Claremont baoks fought, Subiaco led with 5.7 to 2.0 at quarter-time. Two points were added by Subiaco before there was a sign of Claremont's real ability. Hardiman, however, was powerful in defence and the Claremont forwards were not fed kindly. Serjeant's roving was a feature of the game and Claremont improved. Bowe was still winning on his wing and Williams continued to dominate the centre but without great succeas, for the Claremont half-back line was strong. A glimpse of the G. Moloney who shone as a forward in his younger days was provided when he scored a goal with his peculiar screw shot while running for the goal. Claremont could not make headway and at half-time was still in arrears-5.3 to 7.11. Good, fast play by Claremont earned it a goal in quick time after the interval. Edmeades was now in the centre and Lovegrove on a wing. The play grew fast as Claremont opened out systematically. Fortunately for Subiaco Toll struck form and his kicking was long and sure. Lovegrove was improving and goals from Bermingham and G. Moloney reduced the gap. Then a long kick by the nippy Sergeant placed Claremont in front. Subiaco had been at a standstill, its ruck lagging behind and its half-back line weakening under the strain. When Sublaco did break through its forwards were bustled. At last, after concerted play initiated by Strack, Bunton kicked a goal. Almost immediately Roe goaled and at threequarter-time Subiaco led with 9.14 to 9.6. The ball moved up and down at the start of the last quarter with neither side passing accurately. Then perfect handball by Hardiman and Bunton led to a good goal by Shea. Claremont made a strenuous effort and G. Moloney weaved his way out of bother to score a goal. An injury to Gibson should have worried Claremont, which, however, began to play with more certainty than before. Reid was at his top now and Sutherland was dominating the ruck. Long kicks by Reid and Compton. and a quick shot by Serjeant gave Claremont a valuable lead, which it appreciated fully when heavy rain felL Subiaco lapsed into errors and short passing was ineffective. It pressed hard and two goals gave it a chance of victory. G. Moloney moved to midfield in an endeavour to check Subiaco. Both

teams missed scoring opportunities, the slipperiness of the ball adding to their troubles, and an exciting game ended in Claremont's favour. Final scores:CLAREMONT .... 14.7 (91 pts.) SUBIACO .... .. 12.14 (86 pts.) Scorers.-Claremont: G. Moloney, 5.4; Compton, 3.0; Serjeant, 2.1; Bermingham, 1.1; Gath, 1.1; Baker, 1.0; Reid, 1.0. Bubiaco: Bunton, 3.4; Shea, 3.1; Roe, 2.1; Allen, 1.3; Hadley, 12; Hardiman, 1.1; Beresford, 1.0; Bowe, 0.1. (One behind forced through.) Claremont's best player was Serjeant. The ruck weakened and his colleague, Hooper, absent, Serjeant did not have an easy task, yet he opened up the play repeatedly and scouted cleverly. Though his passing was not as sure as usual, Headon played strongly at half-back, offering valuable leads and showing anticipation which enabled him to move about freely. Clarke was a menace to Subiaco, blocking many attacks, and gave further proof of nearness to his best form. Sutherland's hard, fearless battling was of great value to the team. Much work was thrust on the half-back line and Guthrie determinedly did good work. Bermingham's play showed considerable improvement. Gibson set a fine example of tenacity. Reid worked up to fine form in the second half and Edmeades was quietly serviceable on the centre line throughout. Compton's judgment was not always good, but he was dangerous on the half-forward line, and G. Moloney's five goals were greatly appreciated. In a back pocket S. Moloney was solid, while Heusler did best in the last term. In the Subiaco team Hardiman probably was most effective. He had alternately the responsibilities of half-back and half-forward, and he did well. His tussles with Clark were keen and in the last quarter he remained cool and capable. B. Smith played hard in the ruck and his marking was of a high standard; however, he still gives away unnecessary free-kicks. Bowe, in the first half particularly, played a skilful, fast game on the left wing. Strack defended well and McCallum gave a creditable display. Though his kicking was not his best, Bunton made his presence felt, especially when he was on the ball. Williams was an outstanding player in the first half, and Shea, though patchy, did some nice things. Allen and Beresford , showed marked improvement, and Roe was often prominent. Toll did well in the second half and Brewer was patchy. Bennett was promising and Hadley may develop into a useful player.