Rugby union: Cottesloe keeps finals hopes alive with 38-13 win over Joondalup

Alistair Haining was the standout in the clash, with the outside centre breaking the game apart to cross over for two tries.

The Gulls started the game in ferocious fashion, pressuring Joondalup with ball in hand and forcing plenty of errors early.

The penalty count continued to haunt Joondalup, with a set play from a Cott lineout doubling their lead. Matt Hutchins was left unmarked in the corner with the ball spun out to the left, as the 14 crossed to extend the lead to 10-0

Haining then showed his first piece of brilliance with a sustained set of pressure leaving the Gulls 20 metres from their line. The outside centre controlled the phase with a pick and go, evading several Joondalup defenders before barging over.

The Gulls came out charging in the second half, with some desperate Brothers’ defence keeping the Gulls at bay early.

Justin Zeitsman provided a rare spark for the hosts, slicing through Cott defenders untouched to cross under the posts and reduce the margin to 11 points.

Joondalup began to apply sustained pressure, with Cott defending stoically for long periods, denying the hosts points late in the fixture.

Romain Roche barged over for his second try to ice the game in a carbon copy from his earlier effort. Roche was the recipient of a terrific Gulls rolling maul, with their pack far too strong for the entirety of the contest.

Haining then proceeded to finish the game in style with a special solo effort, running the length of the field to secure the points for the Gulls. Haining gathered the ball from his back 22, pushing off defenders at will, before burning past Joondalup’s defensive line to cross for a double.

Cottesloe ran out 38-13 winners in a dominant display away from home.

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