Team effort turned Rams' fortunes

Rockingham Rams become the first side to cement a place in the Peel Football League grand final after accounting for Waroona by 10 points in Sunday’s second semi-final at Anniversary Park.

Trailing by three goals in the first term, Rockingham took the lead in the second quarter and maintained a slender lead to prevail, 13.12 (90) to 12.8 (80).

They have the benefit of a bye this weekend, while the Demons face South Mandurah in Sundays preliminary final at Parnell Street.

Waroona had the better of the early exchanges and headed into quarter-time with a handy two-goal lead.

The Rams responded with four goals in the second term, but led by less than a kick at the main break.

They again managed four goals to two in the third quarter, before withstanding a late Demons fightback to earn a place in the season decider on September 16.

Rockingham coach Sean Wrigley said his side elected not to name its best players due to what he called a really strong team effort.

For the Demons, Alan Wilson kicked three goals, while Joel Catalano and Ryan McKinlay added two apiece.

Meanwhile, 10 goals from South Mandurah full-forward Rod Tregenza helped his side to a come-from-behind win over Centrals in the first semi-final at Falcon Reserve.

Trailing by five goals at half-time, Souths’ season looked destined for an early end before they surged back into contention.

They kicked seven goals to four in the third term and carried their momentum into the final quarter with another seven majors.

The 18.10 (118) to 16.6 (102) triumph was underlined by Tregenza’s 10 goals, while Kristoffer Povey was the Falcons’ only other multiple goalkicker with two.

Ryan Murphy booted six majors for Centrals, who were also well served by Brad Bootsma and Daniel Dalby (three each).

Povey emerged as Souths’ best, while Murphy was Centrals’ best.

Meanwhile, Centrals earned an automatic grand-final berth after downing Waroona by 10 points in the reserves second semi-final.

The Demons return to action this weekend against Baldivis, who downed Rockingham by 25 points.

In the colts grand final, Baldivis will meet the winner of Sunday’s clash between Waroona and Mandurah.