It’s been a long time coming but Halls Head were finally able to post their first victory of the 2017 season when they claimed a win over Mandurah in front of a home crowd on Sunday.
The Lightning sat on a 12-game losing streak heading into the game and had been bested by the Mustangs in their first two encounters this season, but a five goal performance from Phillip Walshaw went a long way to helping them secure their first premiership points on the year with a 14.10 (94) to 8.4 (52) win.
While the result won’t make any waves in terms of finals placings, it’s a huge boost for a young Halls Head side to finally shake the monkey from their backs.
One result that is likely to have an impact on finals placings is Waroona’s defeat of South Mandurah.
The Falcons had a chance to regain top spot on the table with a win but fell short as the Demons stormed to a 10.18 (78) to 8.6 (54) win.
The two-week bye doesn’t seem to have hindered Waroona’s form, with the victory over the Falcons their third straight.
The result keeps Waroona just a game behind South Mandurah, Pinjarra and Baldivis who all share a 9-4 record.
Much like last season, the Demons seem to be hitting some strong form at the right time.
The 2016 campaign saw them win their final five games before finals, where they stretched that run to a grand final appearance.
They face another tough test when they host an in-form Pinjarra next week, while South Mandurah will be keen to bounce back when they tackle Halls Head.
The Falcons may still have a chance to claim top spot, with the current first-placed Centrals to take on a hot-to-trot Baldivis outfit.
The Brumbies have won their last five games, including a 70-point thumping of Rockingham on the weekend, and will be keen to knock off Centrals to consolidate their back-to-back premiership aspirations.
Centrals on the other hand will want to bounce back from a bad day out against Pinjarra.
Full time scores
Rockingham 3.10 (28) defeated by Baldivis 14.14 (98)
Halls Head 14.10 (94) defeat Mandurah 8.4 (52)
Waroona 10.18 (78) defeat South Mandurah 8.6 (54)
Pinjarra 16.11 (107) defeat Centrals 8.8 (56)
Ladder
Leading goal-kickers
- 63 – Brad Holmes (South Mandurah)
- 35 – Tyler Sutton (Rockingham)
- 32 – Luke Dowling (Rockingham)
- 29 – Edward Dann (Baldivis)
- 28 – Ash McGrath (Centrals)