SWFL 2023: Bunbury’s surge of dominance continues by holding Donnybrook scoreless

Bunbury’s red-hot form has continued for a fourth consecutive week, with Donnybrook becoming the latest team to fall short of scoring against the Bulldogs. While there was plenty of back and forth action from both sides in the early exchanges, Bunbury broke through to score the opening goal. As an undermanned Donnybrook looked to respond, the quarter-time siren sounded just as they had a chance to score. Bunbury took control of the match from the second quarter, using their player stocks as much as possible, forcing the Dons to dig deep in order to keep up. As Donnybrook strived to gain possession of the ball, they struggled to hit targets and drive the ball forward. Bunbury continued running away with the contest throughout the second half as Donnybrook began to show signs of fatigue despite putting up a valiant effort in the midfield. Nakia Jilley (five goals) and Bronwyn Walker (two goals) were instrumental in Bunbury’s 11.6 (72) to 0.0 (0) win, while Ruby Mahony, Sarina Tassone and Libby Klopper impressed in the midfield. Chelsea Hutchinson, Liesha Sunderland and Taneika Handley were impressive for the home side. Busselton celebrated Beth Beckett’s 50th game in style with a convincing 12.13 (85) to 2.1 (13) win over an undermanned Carey Park outfit at Kelly Park. Busselton were quick to build a lead during the early stages but Carey Park fought back with goals via Ruby Goddard and Lana Bennett to trail by just a point by quarter-time. However, the Magpies took control of the match from the second quarter onwards, keeping the Panthers scoreless while they extended their lead with a further 10 goals during the remaining three terms. While Carey Park tried to stifle Busselton’s scoring opportunities with strong defence, they struggled to get the ball forward to add to their own tally. Sabella Banks was impressive once again, kicking four goals, while Shannon Pross, Christie Daniels and Mia Dronow all managed two goals each. The Harvey Bulls defeated South Bunbury 8.7 (55) to 1.0 (6) at the Harvey Recreation Ground, in a match marred by two significant head injuries to Tigers players in the final term. The Bulls did enough to win the game, although they were subjected to considerable pressure and down on their trademark brilliance. Harvey Brunswick Leschenault continued to firm up a finals berth by holding off Dunsborough to win 4.4 (28) to 2.1 (13) at Brunswick Oval. Although the Lions led throughout the contest, Dunsborough were right with them, mounting the defensive pressure. The Sharks came close to staging a comeback with a three-point deficit at three-quarter time, however HBL pulled away with two goals in the final term to win. Eaton had plenty of reasons to celebrate after pulling off a convincing 9.9 (63) to 0.2 (2) victory over the Collie Eagles at the Collie Recreation Ground. While the Eagles tried hard to bring the fight to Eaton, Chloe Seaman was unstoppable, kicking four goals for the visiting side, while Rebecca Jetta and Charity Ryder were also impressive on the field. The 61-point win marked Eaton’s fifth win of the season so far, marking the most wins in one season for the team since joining the women’s competition.