Two straight for Thunder despite wobble

Peel Thunder have overcome an error-strewn performance to post back-to-back wins and get out of jail against bottom side Perth by five points at Lathlain Park this afternoon.

Both sides struggled with their ball movement in heavy conditions, with the Demons left to rue butchering a host of opportunities in the first three quarters.

Their inaccuracy came home to roost late in a contest marred by deplorable skills, with the class of Fremantle-listed duo Connor Blakely and Ed Langdon, as well as skipper Brendon Jones, dragging Peel to a 11.7 (73) to 9.14 (68) triumph.

The Thunder had to wait until the last quarter’s final seconds to clinch the win after struggling to find a forward target of any influence for much of the match.

Michael Apeness was well held before standing up late in kicking the first two goals of the final term to help Peel regain the lead.

The visitors then nailed four goals in the space of seven minutes to end the quarter after the Demons had responded with three of their own to appear ready to secure their first win of the season.

Blakely was instrumental in the late run of Thunder goals with his influence out of the centre square, while the maligned Colin Sylvia ran 80m with the ball to nail the match winner.

Josh Bootsma took a huge contested mark just metres from the defensive goal line to help Peel hang on.

Peel coach Cam Shepherd would have felt extremely lucky to get away with the four points after a line-up featuring 15 Fremantle-listed players struggled for any continuity.

Langdon produced one of his best performances for Peel streaming off half back.

His 50m goal on the run to open the third term was one of the game’s rare highlights.

Perth were their own worst enemies as they butchered opportunities around goal, particularly in the first and third quarters, that would have buried a listless Peel.

Liam McKenna was outstanding against his old side as he continues to stamp his mark after switching clubs across the off-season.

Michael Sinclair and Aidan Tropiano did the bulk of the ball winning through the midfield, while Daniel O’Sullivan booted two goals and presented well as a forward target in the absence of an injured Mitch Morton.

Chance Bateman also chimed in with three goals.

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