MATCH REPORT: WEST PERTH VS PEEL THUNDER – 7 MAY 2016

Peel Thunder has lost West Perth by 17 points in difficult conditions in Joondalup.

Led by strong performances from consistent midfielders Clancee Pearce (35 possessions) and Ed Langdon (30 possessions), Peel fought hard all day but couldn't hold back a fast-finish Falcons side to lose 8.10 (58) to 5.11(41) at HBF Arena.

Midfielder Brad Walsh tried hard all day with 26 possessions and six tackles, working with Rory O’Brien and Brady Grey to apply pressure at stoppages.

Tanner Smith was a constant threat forward of centre while key defenders Sam Collins and Matt Uebergang won their respective contests.

Peel youngster Brayden Lawler said West Perth had been more desperate.

"They just wanted the ball more and that's how they got on top of us in the last quarter," he said.
"We just need to bring stronger intent."
"I think we kicked a fair few points so if we have of taken our opportunities a bit more, I think it could've got us the win."
The match started in scrappy fashion with Fremantle listed players Tendai Mzungu and Jack Hannath missing gettable chances from directly in front, before Tanner Smith converted a set shot from outside 50.

Kicking with the breeze, Peel controlled the contest for much of the first quarter with repeat entries inside 50, but when the Falcons converted goals from two clean passages of play, the Thunder went into quarter time trailing by two points.

Both sides struggled with the slippery ball after the break, sharing in eight behinds in a fiery contest.

After finally conceding a goal to Andrew Strijk, Rory O’Brien was on the end of a bullet-like pass from Gerard Ugle and converted truly from 20m out to bring Peel within six points at half time.

Tempers flared in the third as West Perth attempted to apply the clamps with numbers behind the ball in a physical stoppage set up.

When Peel managed to break free of the contest, long and direct ball use paid dividends with goals to Smith and key defender Sam Collins giving the Thunder a two point lead going into the final change.

However the Falcons won the arm-wrestle in the final term, kicking the first three goals to eventually run out winners.

Peel Thunder travel to Fremantle next week to take on the Bulldogs at Fremantle oval.