SWFL 2022: Harvey Bulls and Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault have mixed weekend

The Harvey Bulls set up a mouthwatering reserves second semifinal clash against Augusta-Margaret River, after defeating Bunbury 9.12 (66) to 9.7 (61) in Sunday’s qualifying final at Hands Oval. Riding a wave of momentum from an impressive home-and-away season, the Bulls burst out of the traps early and led by 22 points at quarter-time. With Bulls midfielder Dean Miller — predicted by many to claim Friday night’s Times Medal — pulling the strings, the visitors were able to find several different avenues into the forward line. However, the Bulldogs, who were keen to keep their dream of back-to-back premierships alive, gradually worked their way back into the game, with Aaron Mills and Mackenna Taylor lifting their teammates. Despite the tense nature of the contest raising the stakes, the Bulls regained ascendancy early in the final term, following a telling goal to Cody Garlett. The Bulldogs turned the screws late in a bid to pinch the game, however, Carlo Celisano’s side managed to hold out the reigning premiers in the dying seconds. While the Bulls face a trip to Gloucester Park, the Bulldogs face a crunch derby first semifinal against South Bunbury. The Tigers, who were inspired by a seven-goal haul from Morgan Lane, came from behind to defeat Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault 9.2 (56) to 7.9 (51) in Saturday’s elimination final at Sir Stewart Bovell Park. It was not all doom and gloom for the HBL faithful, given the fact their colts stunned Busselton 7.11 (53) to 7.7 (49) in the elimination final with the last kick of the game. On Sunday at Hands Oval, Bunbury spoiled Dunsborough’s inaugural SWFL finals match, defeating the Sharks 9.10 (64) to 8.9 (57).