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Rugby union: Wests Scarborough upset by unfancied Kalamunda 34-27

Elliot RaiterStirling Times

KALAMUNDA caused a major upset to defeat the previously unbeaten Wests Scarborough 34-27 in a thrilling Premier Grade contest at Bennett Park on Saturday.

The Bulls largely dominated the game, with the majority of attacking play created by Kalamunda and the top side shell-shocked from the first whistle.

Russell Burges put in a herculean effort while the Bulls pack held their own against a powerful Wests side.

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The home team started brightly with Albert Nikoro taking advantage of poor ball handling, slicing through several defenders to complete a superb solo effort from the halfway line.

Kalamunda applied the pressure and was rewarded with Burges stealing the ball from a Wests scrum before handing off to Future Force Foundation member Jordan Holgate who crossed to make it 7-7 after 15 minutes.

Holgate followed up his try with a barnstorming run moments later with Leo Avuaa profiting taking the ball over from close range after a number of brutal phases.

Trading of penalties then kept the fixture within arm’s length with Nikoro and Aiden Shortall making no mistake in front of the sticks.

Will Dreadon found an easy path to the try line just before half time, allowing the underdog Kala side to enter the break 19-10 ahead.

Wests again struck first in the second half to be within two points with Matt O’Brien reaching full stretch for the line after being found unmarked in the corner.

Kala once again took control of the contest with sustained pressure resulting in a penalty at the breakdown with Shortall adding the extras.

Kalamunda spiritual leader Burges turned the game once again, charging over from close range to extend the lead to nine points with 15 minutes to play.

Shaun Baker sealed the contest with 10 minutes to go, as an attacking set piece saw the number 10 cross in the corner with the home crowd silenced in a remarkable display.

A late Loui Toetu try was merely a consolation as the premiership favourite was outplayed in a bruising encounter.

The fixture finished 34-27, with Kalamunda moving into fifth position while Wests gave up top spot to Palmyra.

In other matches, Associates defeated Perth Bayswater 24-15, Cottesloe beat Wanneroo 42-26, Palmyra had a 36-30 win over Joondalup and Nedlands beat UWA 28-19.