Alex Pearce enjoys winning debut with Claremont’s league team in Pyke Cup triumph over Perth

North Albany junior Alex Pearce enjoyed a winning league debut for Claremont as they overcame a gallant Perth in round 19 of the WAFL competition on Saturday.

Strong form in the reserves helped Pearce get the call-up for his first league game, the second Great Southern player in as many weeks after Jacob Blight debuted last week.

Pearce collected 13 disposals in the tense eight-point victory.

The Tigers won the Pyke Cup, contested annually between the two sides with Pearce leading his side from the ground with the silverware before he was joined in the middle of their team song with fellow Great Southern players Blight and Timm House.

Jerramungup and Royals product Tom Baldwin was named in the Tigers best after gathering 10 disposals, three marks and five tackles in defence.

Gnowangerup key forward House again impressed up front finishing with three goals.

House has kicked six goals in three league appearances since his mid-season switch and booted 3.1 from 11 possessions and seven marks against the Demons.

Mt Barker ruckman Jordan Reid won 25 hit-outs to go with six disposals in a losing affair for the Demons.

Royals junior Tyreice Brown was among the Tigers colts best after playing a superb game in a 95-point win.

Playing as a forward Brown booted 3.2 from 23 possessions, three marks, three tackles and four inside-50s.

Tyron Smallwood responded to his axing from the Tigers senior team, kicking 4.1 from 15 disposals and four marks in the Tigers reserves as they won by 55 points.

Meanwhile Royals tall Tom Edwards finished with 2.3 for Swan Districts reserves as they went down by four points to East Perth.