Associates have notched their seventh win of the season today and cemented their second position on the ladder with a convincing 35-10 victory over Cottesloe at Allen Park.
Cottesloe dominated possession from the first whistle and at the six minute mark added a converted try to the score board but the momentum of the game ended abruptly there with ill-discipline and ball handling errors from both sides punctuating the remainder of the first half.
It was Soaks who came out on the attack after the half time break, scoring four tries and rendering Cottesloe scoreless in the second half with some strong defensive play.
Associates coach Andy Cole said he was extremely pleased with the team’s turnaround in the second half.
“We were disappointed with how we started and we knew there were certain areas we wanted to attack Cottesloe in and we just weren’t doing that in the first half,” Cole said.
“I think in that first half we weren’t playing with patience and we didn’t get above a second phase.
“Once we’d tightened our game up and gained some momentum, we were quite confident in our fitness and our conditioning got us home.
“It was laid down by the forwards pack, we were very physical and it was nice to get the win here today in the local derby on home soil.”
With seven sides still in with a chance to make finals, Cole said today’s win was vital in Associate’s finals campaign.
“We know we’ve got a six week period with some tough games and today was a big one for us and hopefully this has given us a little break from the rest of the competition,” he said.
“I am extremely happy with the win and the bonus point I’m more than happy to take.
Although his side showed some good passages of play, Cottesloe coach Ian Fowler said there were aspects of their game they needed to work on.
“When we played how we wanted to play we were good out there and although we started well we just dropped off the pace and Soaks took advantage,” said Fowler.
“Our line-outs were a big issue out there today; we made some serious mistakes which cost us.
“Heading towards finals we can see that the shape we want to play is successful but we just need to do it better.
Cottesloe took possession from the first whistle and spent the opening five minutes of the game in Associates’ territory.
Soaks held their defensive line well but the Gulls continued to pressure the line and were rewarded when lock Mike Scott barrelled over for a try next to the posts. David Cloete slotted the conversion easily to put his side ahead 7-0.
Ill-discipline and errors began to cost both teams as the ball was turned over, time and time again.
A penalty in the ruck against Cottesloe gave Associates fullback Matt Dreyer the first opportunity for points but it was a tough angle and his kick sailed across the goal face.
Just minutes later Dreyer found himself lining up for goal again on the opposite side of the ground at a similar angle and this time he found his target.
With less than 10 minutes still on the clock in the first half, the home side found themselves without Caillan Richards after he was shown a yellow card for continued infringements.
Each side added a penalty goal to their scores in the dying minutes and at the half time break Cottesloe were leading 10-6.
The second half saw a completely different Associates side take the field as they controlled the game with consistent attacking play and solidified their defensive line to prevent Cottesloe from breaking through.
Five minutes in, Dreyer kicked his third penalty goal to put his side within a point as Cottesloe’s lack of discipline continued to draw the referee’s attention.
Associates claimed their first try off the back of a rolling maul with lock Ben Hales crashing through the Gulls defence to give them the 14-10 lead.
Not long after Soaks were celebrating again as Aamon Matuauto brought the crowd to their feet when he evaded a number of Cottesloe defenders and kicked the ball out to give his side the line-out five metres from their line. Despite the Gulls best efforts they couldn’t prevent the second try from being scored and Dreyer converted to give them an 11 point buffer.
The third try for Soaks came with some quick ball movement across the field which the Gull’s defence weren’t quick enough to follow. Prop Andrew Lawrence found himself on the sideline with a clear run at the try line.
Dreyer’s boot was again on target, giving Associates an 18 point lead with ten minutes on the clock.
Lock Zane Kader set up the bonus point try with a strong drive at the line before passing it off to Al Rovira who dove over in the corner. The conversion was successful giving Associates their much deserved 35-10 victory.