Donnybrook Dons move off bottom of South West Football League, beating Harvey Bulls to claim third win

Donnybrook claimed their third win of the season by beating Harvey Bulls in a mud-soaked match on their home turf on Saturday. The Dons were able to play to the wet and windy conditions at Harvey Oval better than the Bulls and came away with a 5.4 (34) to 3.3 (21) victory. Donnybrook started fast, as Lance Smith capitalised on a loose ball in the goal square one minute in to convert what would be the only goal of the first quarter. Dons midfielder Jace Cormack showed skill and poise in tough playing conditions to help his side keep the Bulls under pressure. Harvey midfielder Jay Collard fought hard for his side in the first half and was rewarded as he soccered through his side’s only goal to half-time. Donnybrook combined a strong defensive presence and fast ball movement to add three goals in the second term and lead by 19 points at the main break. The Bulls came out strong in the second half and were determined to get coach Ned Fimmano his first win since taking over from Alan Douglas in June. Harvey big man Clay Smith made the most of a Donnybrook defensive blunder as he converted his side’s second goal before Jay Collard booted another to have the Bulls trailing by eight points at the end of the third quarter. Things did not go to plan for the Bulls as Sam Garstone kicked Donnybrook’s fifth goal only three minutes in to the last term. Harvey were unable to make a comeback as tired players on both sides continued to slug it out in the rain and wind. The Bulls play fourth-placed Busselton next weekend before facing Augusta Margaret River and Eaton Boomers in the last two rounds.