WA Country fall short in close battleThursday, August 4, 2016 - 8:55 AM

It was a close-fought battle at Adelaide Oval where the WA New Holland State Country team clashed with South Australia Country in a curtain raiser to the Adelaide v Essendon AFL game on Sunday, July 31.

The WA side showed resilience and determination for the entirety of the match, but South Australia proved to be too strong and ran out winners with a score of 16.16 (112) to WA’s 12.4 (76).

The WA side featured a number of players who have considerable experience at WAFL level including South Mandurah’s Brendon Jones who was awarded the Terry House Medal as best on ground for WA.

Former South Fremantle player Paul Mugambwa booted three majors for WA, while Brad Holmes (South Mandurah FC) , Jesse Gribble (Halls Head FC) and Scott Worthington (Boulder City) were able to back it up with two goals each.

WACFL General Manager Joseph Georgiades was very pleased with how the team performed.

“It was a gallant effort and every player was fit and keen to represent WA Country to the best of their ability,” Georgiades said.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of these men and an experience they can look back on fondly and learn from.” 

WA Best Players: Brendan Jones, Jesse Gribbe, Caleb Shadbolt, Eddie Holmes, Paul Mugumbwa, Jayden Brooks.

WA Goal Kickers: Paul Mugumbwa 3, Brad Holmes 2, Scott Worthington 2, Leith Teakle, Jayden Brooks, Lewis Harvey.

Photo: Former WAFL South Fremantle player Paul Mugambwa