SWFL men’s: Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault get back on track with 23-point win over Augusta-Margaret River

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault got their South West Football League season back on track with a 23-point victory over Augusta-Margaret River at Brunswick Oval on Saturday. The two teams came into the contest with differing levels of confidence, with the Lions losing three of their past four games and the Hawks winners in six of their past seven contests, but the hosts were able to defy the form lines and secure an important 9.6 (60) to 4.13 (37) victory. Derek Hall’s side now sit a win clear in third spot, ahead of the chasing pack with a 7-3 win-loss record, while the Hawks have been sent outside the top five, dropping to sixth on percentage. In a low-scoring affair, the visitors were made to rue missing their chances in front of goals — including the third term when they managed only one major from nine scoring shots. The Lions were able to come up with a winning score despite their leading goal-kicker Jarrod Humphries being held without a goal, with Geoffrey Saunders stepping up to slot three majors. Saturday’s other contest at Glen Huon Reserve saw Donnybrook take out the Peter Butcher Cup with a 53-point win over Eaton. The Dons rode a seven-goal to one opening term to a 14.10 (94) to 6.5 (41) win, but the Boomers were competitive thereafter, holding the winners to seven goal across the remaining three quarters while kicking five themselves. Key forward Matt Martin — who has since been cleared to Great Southern Football League side Albany — kicked four goals in the win alongside good support from Cooper Clarke-Dehring and Brandon Jetta, who both kicked three majors, while Paul Rinder (three goals) and Greg Humphries continued to give their all for the hosts. On Sunday, Carey Park smashed Dunsborough by 113 points at Kelly Park. The Panthers dominated from siren to siren in a 19.16 (130) to 2.5 (17) victory which leaves the Sharks having now lost their past three games by a combined total of 312 points. Three-time WAFL premiership player Brayden Lawler — who announced his retirement from the State league last week — kicked two goals in his first appearance for the Panthers, while Luke Hutchinson and Ryan King combined for nine majors.