Donnybrook keep maiden SWFL finals dream alive with 10-point victory over Harvey Bulls

Despite only kicking a single goal via leading goal kicker Bethany Bond out of 13 scoring opportunities, Donnybrook has kept their SWFL Women’s finals dream alive, holding off the formidable Harvey Bulls by 10 points.

The Dons and the Bulls travelled to Sir Stewart Bovell Park on Saturday where they went head-to-head in the first women’s semifinal.

From the outset, both teams were quick to put the pressure on each other as each side had players scrambling for the ball early.

Despite the ball gradually making its way towards the Dons’ kicking end, they struggled to capitalise with only minor scores being recorded.

Although the Bulls managed a late behind to avoid being held scoreless, Donnybrook led 0.3 (3) to 0.1 (1) at quarter-time.

The even midfield contest continued into the second term, although the Dons continued to keep the ball in their forward half with strong ruck work by Holly Gill and drive from Lauren Vecchio and Taneika Handley.

However, kicking accuracy in front of goal still plagued the Dons with further behinds scored.

While the likes of Krystal Carter, Sierraleone Simpson and Rachel Shepherd put in a strong midfield effort, and Lisa Joseph keeping Lacey Holdsworth quiet, the Bulls were ultimately kept scoreless for the term as the Dons led by six points at the main break.

Harvey returned to the field more determined to make a second-half comeback with Carter charging through to break the goalless drought and put the Bulls in front for the first time.

As the Dons looked to make a quick response, both teams amped up the intensity.

However, Donnybrook were kept to scoring just one behind to bring the scores level at eight apiece at the final change.

The final quarter saw the Dons kick into high gear with Bond breaking through to finally get a major score on the board.

Although the Bulls continued putting the pressure on wherever they could, they struggled driving the ball forward as the Dons kept making interceptions.

Despite Holdsworth coming off the ground with back pain after a hard tackle, the Dons held strong to advance to the preliminary final 1.12 (18) to 1.2 (8).