WA Country defeat SA Country in Perth

By ZAC MILBANK

SA Country was unable to withstand a significant first-half onslaught as it succumbed to WA Country by 45 points at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Conceding nine goals before half-time, the Croweaters were able to respond with the opening four goals of the third quarter to inject life into the contest.

But the visitors’ revival was short-lived as the Sandgropers pushed the lead back out to 29 points at the final change.

SA Country coach Rick Macgowan implored his charges to surge the ball forward in numbers at all costs in the fourth quarter but they were unable to carry out his instruction as the hosts ensured the win-loss count would adjust to 3-7 in the Nullarbor battles since 2011.

Hard-running SA wingman Troy Blackwell was rewarded with the Barry Stringer Medal as best afield as former Power and Sturt ball magnet Sam Colquhoun also found plenty of the ball.

Last year’s Barry Stringer Medallist Matt Willson was also among SA’s stronger contributors while Hahndorf’s Zabien Parker-Boers and nippy goalsneak Jack Penfold were also dangerous.

Former Double Blues forward Rory Taggert was SA’s only multiple goal kicker with two majors.

Saturday July 22
Optus Stadium, Perth

WA Country 4.2  9.2  12.3  15.8 (98)

SA Country  2.2  3.4  7.4  8.5 (53)

BEST – SA: Troy Blackwell, Sam Colquhoun, Zabien Parker-Boers, Matt Willson, Harlee Chandler, Jack Penfold

GOALS – Rory Taggert 2, Riley Clamp, Jack Penfold, Josh Smithson, Ben Moroney, Zac Gartery, Sam Colquhoun

BARRY STRINGER MEDAL – Troy Blackwell (Langhorne Creek/Southern Districts)