SWFL 2022: Eaton Boomers keep finals hopes alive thanks to late heroics from big man Joel Houghton

The Eaton Boomers held on to win by three points over Carey Park on Saturday thanks to some late heroics from big man Joel Houghton, keeping their finals hopes alive while downing the Panthers’ dreams in the process. Despite an inaccurate second half in front of goals, the Boomers were able to stave off a season-ending loss and claim a 10.15 (75) to 11.6 (72) victory, with Houghton kicking a superb goal from outside 50 to clinch the win in the dying stages. The game was a congested and fierce contest all day, with neither team taking a lead greater than four points into any break. The scores were level at quarter time with the sides locked on 20 points each before the visiting Panthers took a narrow lead into the main break, 7.4 (46) to 6.6 (42). Eaton wrested back momentum after the halftime break but struggled to convert in front of goals, recording eight scoring shots to two in the third term, but only managing to lead 8.12 (60) to 9.4 (58) at the last change. The slim margin at the final break set up a tense last term, with both sides feeling their finals window start to close. The Panthers took back the lead in the final term and were still in front at the 20-minute mark as the two sides tussled for the ascendancy. But Houghton — who kicked five goals for the day — would then become the hero, booting a goal from 55m out on the run to put the home team up by nine points and ultimately claim the win. The Boomers are now two points out of the top five with matches against Busselton and Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault to play, while Carey Park can no longer make the finals.