Perth upset Premiers, Book Home Final With Newcastle

Perth have secured the home Final in the ARTTSL Pre-Season Trophy after defeating reigning 2009 premiers Melbourne in the first Semi Final.

After slipping to an early 4-0 deficit, Perth clawed back with a mix of great shots and some lucky glances off the net to square the match at 5-5.

From there is was neck and neck as the match reached 9-9, after which Melbourne appeared to panic, losing the last two points with loose shots into the net. Perth won 11-9.

In the second Semi-Final home side Newcastle secured their birth in the final, edging out Sunshine Close in an extra-time enounter, 12-10.

Perth will be vying for their first title, while Newcastle will be looking to add a second piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet, having won the Second-Division Challenger League in 2009.

Newcastle are widely tipped as a stong contender for this year's First Division ARTTSL Premiership.

Meanwhile many still believe Perth are punch above their weight due to their ongoing issues with player retention in the western capital and ongoing hold-ups to their new home table, which Perth management have confirmed will not be ready for the Pre-Season Trophy Final, the match to be played on their secondary table in Fremantle.

Newcastle go into the match as favourites but after defeating the reigning Premiers, Perth have proven they're capable of anything.

SEMI FINAL RESULTS:
S1: Perth 11 d Melbourne 9 (at Melbourne)
S2: Newcastle 12 v Sunshine Coast 10 (at Newcastle)

FINAL:
F1: Perth v Newcastle (at Perth)