Round 10 - League match report - Peel V West Perth

Peel Thunder have won consecutive games for the first time this season with a three-point victory over West Perth, at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Peel’s fast start was met by a late surge from the Falcons, however the Thunder held on to win 11. 11. (77) to 11. 8. (74).

The Thunder’s Alex Cohen said their early lead, helped them get the win.

“We didn’t want to fall behind [early], especially with the breeze and the weather, [we] didn’t want to be fighting at the end,” he said.

Peel were able to hit the scoreboard early in the first term kicking four goals and keeping the Falcons goalless until 20 minutes into the game.

West Perth were able to hit back in the second term but the Thunder were able to hold them off going into half time with a two-point lead.

Cohen said coach Cam Shepherd urged the team to stick out the game in the last half.

“[He told us] to keep in, not fall behind, if we got ahead early like we did in the third and the start of the fourth, that we could take [the win],” Cohen said.

Peel were able to maintain their lead throughout the third term and continue their pressure in the final quarter when the Falcons kicked five majors to the Thunder’s three.

Cohen said Ben Howlett, who collected 33 possessions and kicked two goals, was continuing his impressive form.

“Week in and week out he’s great, so having him helps us get the win,” Cohen said.

“He’s an important player [for us] every week.”

Cohen said Brayden Lawler’s intensity in the forward line was an inspiration to the team after kicking two goals.

“He’s great, his forward pressure is something that I’ve got to work towards,” he said

Next week Peel Thunder face South Fremantle at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Saturday, June 16, at 2:15pm.

Written by: Ysabella Salisbury 

Photography: Jacob O'Reilly