SWFL 2022: South Bunbury extends winning streak to five after holding off Eaton by four points

Despite a valiant effort by the Eaton Boomers, South Bunbury have continued to reign supreme over the competition with a fifth consecutive win.

The Tigers hosted the Boomers at Hands Oval on Saturday during the 17th round of the 2022 South West Football League season, where South Bunbury looked to continue holding on to top spot on the ladder while Eaton looked to make their case for a top five finish.

The opening term saw the Boomers manage an early lead, booting the match’s opening four goals via Tanner Allen and Roy George until the Tigers finally responded with a goal of their own via Ethan Nordahl.

Despite Eaton’s inaccuracy in front of goal resulting in nine behinds for the term, the Boomers led 4.9 (33) to 1.1 (7) at quarter time.

The second quarter saw South Bunbury redeem themselves from their slow start, driving the ball down the field in a bid to make a comeback.

Goals from the likes of Jordan Strahan, Hayden Krikke, Shaun Crane and Jesse Crichton saw the Tigers go on to take the lead from the Boomers.

As frustration started to affect the Boomers, along with a controversial stop of play after Chris Atthowe was knocked to the ground, South Bunbury remained composed to lead 8.2 (50) to 5.9 (39) at half time.

The Tigers looked to continue building on their lead during the early stages of the third quarter, quickly driving the ball forward although they only managed a minor score.

As both teams put the pressure on each other, the contest picked up intensity and seemingly reached a stalemate until Jono Humphries broke through for a goal.

Tensions seemed to bubble between both teams with plenty of push and shove at stoppages.

A goal via Brandon Jetta brought the Boomers back in front although a late behind for South Bunbury saw the scores drawn level at 52 apiece at the final change.

The intense contest continued into the final quarter with South Bunbury once again quickly driving the ball forward in a bid to build a lead.

Although South Bunbury built up a narrow lead with some minor scores, another Brandon Jetta goal saw the Boomers regain hopes of pulling off an upset win.

However a goal via Ethan Nordahl converted from a 50m penalty sealed the win in South Bunbury’s favour despite a tough fight from the Boomers.

At the final siren, South Bunbury had held on to take the win 9.8 (62) to 8.10 (58) with Martin Thompson chair-lifted off the ground by Tim Sutherland and Jordan Strahan to celebrate the former skipper’s 150th game.