By Gary Stocks
North Beach struck a powerful psychological blow in the run to the A-Grade finals with a resounding 38-point win over University at Charles Riley Reserve last Saturday.
The Scholars are regarded as one of the biggest threats to the quest of the Beach to charge to a seventh successive premiership, but could not match the intensity or class of their opponents in this important contest.
The Tigers controlled the game throughout to retain a 10-point advantage at the top of the table, winning 14.10 (96) to 7.14 (56).
Ben Wilson made a strong return to the senior side with four goals, while Aaron Jarvis was also lively across half-forward, Joe Boys rucked well and John Turner and Matt Power were energetic through the midfield.
With five rounds remaining before finals competition is becoming tight for places in the seniors, so there will be plenty of internal pressure driving individuals over the closing qualifying rounds.
The A-Reserves also scored an important victory and are pushing towards a top three finish.
With the E-Grade and E-Reserves have a bye, the lower grade action was left to the G-Grade and they scored an impressive 16-point victory.
Daniel Pyke, Novac Smith, Nat Gregoire and Jay Carroll were all in good form for the Beach.
The Phil Scott Colts saw an opportunity against a highly-regarded opponent slip through their grasp when University endured in an absorbing contest by six points.
North Beach led for most of the day and failed to close the game down when they had control of the ball and the lead late in the game.
Josh Stott was again outstanding while Saxon Graham and Josh Barber each kicked three goals.
The Brett Jones Colts found CBC Fremantle too classy on their home deck, with the opposition dictating terms from the outset on the way to a 73-point victory.
Jake Carter played his best game for the club in a back pocket, Marc Gangemi was also under notice and Jarrad McMorran continued his strong form in the ruck.
A-Grade
North Beach 3.2 6.4 9.6 14.10 94
University 0.2 2.7 4.11 7.14 56
Goals – North Beach: Wilson 4; Jarvis 3; O’Donnell 2; McComiskie, Pearce, Paap, Power, Witheridge 1.
Best – North Beach: Boys, Turner, Jarvis, Wilson, Power, Brennan.
G-Grade
North Beach 0.6 4.9 5.10 8.13 61
Bassendean 1.2 3.2 5.2 7.3 45
Goals – North Beach: Pyke, Smith, Gregoire 2; Meilor, Thewlis 1.
Best – North Beach: Wills, Carroll, Pyke.
Phil Scott Colts
University 3.1 5.3 10.5 13.9 87
North Beach 4.3 6.5 10.7 12.9 81
Goals – North Beach: Graham, Barber 3; Mead 2; Mansfield, Knott, Christie, Langsford 1.
Best – North Beach: Stott, Graham, Mead, Clarke, Knott.
Brett Jones Colts
CBC Fremantle 5.5 8.7 12.9 14.13 97
North Beach 1.1 2.1 2.3 3.6 24
Goals – North Beach: Perris, Slatter, McPhee 1.
Best – North Beach: Carter, Gangemi, McMorran.
