Rockingham stay on top

Rockingham City travelled to Balga at the weekend for round 18 to play an important game that would determine if they could maintain their top position on the ladder.

Balga were looking to consolidate fourth on the ladder as Rockingham took charge of the game early on for a 3-0 victory.

Midfield maestro Ryan Kennedy slipped a clever pass to Shane Boyle, who made no mistake in slotting the ball past the Balga goalkeeper.

Alex Grayson made it 2-0 after a shot from outside the box left the home keeper helpless and the lead was supported when Rockingham goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock made a double save to deny Balga a goal just before half-time.

Matt McDonald came off with a knee injury and substitute Blake Sokolowski joined Max Snelson in centre back alongside Rockingham captain Sean Brady.

Rockingham were reduced to 10 men on the hour mark after a heavy challenge on RCFC player Papa Kpatar.

Kpatar stood up to the offending player, the referee decided to give him marching orders and the Balga player received a yellow card.

Rockingham put on a strong final display and after some great wing play from Gersholm Rowlands, who delivered a perfect pass to Roy Hissey in the box, RCFC made it 3-0.

They remained top of the ladder and will play away against Joondalup next Saturday.

The weekend also marked a deserved victory for Rockingham reserves, who had a 3-1 triumph over Balga.

An excellent chipped goal from Ryan Haslett gave him two and Ian Ng also scored.

Rockingham under-18s produced some excellent controlled football and found the net 11 times, convincingly beating Balga 11-0.

Josh MacKinder scored four with Callum Ribbans bringing home three, Mitch Morrin another two and Sam Warren and Elliott Carroll scoring one each.