SWFL 2022: Donnybrook begin women’s season with eight-goal drubbing of HBL Lions

Despite finally breaking a scoring drought, the Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Lions were no match for a determined Donnybrook outfit who overpowered the Lions by eight goals. The Dons finally began their 2022 SWFL Women’s season on Sunday when they hit the road to Brunswick to take on the Lions. The Dons were quick to establish dominance during the opening term with full-forward Lisa Worsfold booting three consecutive goals after they first broke on to the board with a minor score. Although the Lions tried their hardest, they struggled to shake off the Dons’ defence, with a late goal from Lacey Holdsworth rubbing salt in the Lions’ wounds to lead by 25 points at quarter-time. When it seemed the Lions were resigning themselves to another scoreless effort, youngster Arnya Pickston broke through to put the Lions on the board for the first time since round 16 last year. The goal seemed to give the Lions an extra boost as they began to step it up in defence, laying a number of impressive tackles on the Dons who looked to respond quickly. However, Donnybrook held strong to extend their lead by a further goal and minor score to lead 5.2 (32) to 1.1 (7) at half time. The Lions’ strong defensive tactics continued into the third term, although converting turnovers soon proved difficult as the Dons swarmed the Lions. Holdsworth added a further goal to her tally while teammates Jesse Davies and Jess Verbrugge soon joined her as scoreboard contributors. The Lions were ultimately kept to just one behind for the term, as the Dons led 8.3 (51) to 1.2 (8) at the final change. The final term looked more like a battle for territory as both teams amped up the defence with plenty of big tackles laid. Although the Lions held their own throughout the match, the Dons proved too strong with a late goal from Fleur Parker sealing the deal 9.3 (57) to 1.3 (9).