Rockingham City clinches State League Division 1 title and automatic promotion to NPL WA

Rockingham City are State League Division 1 champions after Gwelup played out an entertaining 2-2 draw away at Western Knights, following City’s 4-1 thrashing of Fremantle City on Saturday.

Gwelup were never likely to pull off the 13-goal win they needed to overtake Rockingham at the top of the table and that was how it played out, with the draw ensuring Rockingham finished two points clear and gained automatic promotion to the NPLWA.

All the damage on Saturday was done in the first half, with Ross Staley’s double and goals from Jason Pottier and Kody Millard giving the home side a comfortable lead.

Rockingham started quickly and after just 10 minutes took the lead as James Harmer played Staley through on goal, and he expertly lobbed the on-rushing Fremantle goalkeeper Struan Herd.

After 25 minutes, Rockingham doubled its lead as Staley fired across goal to Pottier who clinically scored from close range. Moments later Pottier scored a second as he and Millard exchanged a clever one-two and Pottier raced through on goal to finish. Staley scored a second to make it 4-0 just before the break.

Fremantle battled in the second half and were rewarded with Alan Carroll’s 90th minute consolation goal, but it was never going to dent the celebrations for Cameron Lord’s side after the final whistle.

The team will celebrate promotion by hosting Perth Glory on Wednesday, September 26, at Lark Hill. Kick-off is at 4.15pm and entry is free.