While the Boomers league team was unsucessful, the colts had a win against Carey Park on Sunday. Pictured is Justin Stephanovic.
CAREY Park battled manfully in some of the wildest weather conditions seen in the South West to upset league forerunners Eaton by six points at Glen Huon Reserve on Sunday, 4.7-31 to 2.13-25.
Cyclonic winds, driving rain and the visitors prevailed in an eventful first half.
Panther Cody Garlett had his set shot on goal delayed early in the piece as first a pair of chairs adventured where no humble chair has ever set foot - namely through the western end goals.
Then one of the player dugouts got some wind in its sails before its trailblazing days ended swiftly, tied forlornly to a pole - though not without a fight.
Garlett eventually took his shot but, understandably distracted, missed a tough chance from the boundary.
For most of the first half a mauling pack that consisted of nearly every player on the ground followed the ball.
It was tough going in the slick conditions but the physically-stronger Carey Park adapted first and took a three-goal lead into the main break.
The numbers around the ball and the conditions denied Eaton any opportunity to play with their trademark run and carry.
This and an inaccurate Boomers played straight into the Panther's hands, who kicked with the wind in the third term and carried a 19-point lead into three-quarter time.
It was a lead that the Panthers grimly defended, at times having every player behind the contest.
Inaccuracy continued to plague Eaton, who were left ruing multiple missed opportunities, kicking 1.6 for the final term.
Had conditions not been so dominant a factor one feels the Boomers would have overrun the Panthers.
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Match of the Round
Bunbury v Eaton Boomers
LIKE many SWFL supporters I've been looking forward to this one for a long time.
Well actually since Bunbury jumped Collie in Round 4 and started their undefeated run.
Watching the Boomers play is a delight.
Their skills have been a cut above the competition this season and it took some crazy weather to nullify their exciting play style.
And watching Bunbury is just good ol' fun.
Their sleek midfield, ferocity at the contest and functioning forward line has stood out in the past month.
There are so many players to watch out for.
Bunbury boast captain Jesse Gribble, midfield jet Mat Aitchison, young gun Liam Davis and roving forward Jordan Adamson-Holmes, who is an early Hayward Medal favourite.
Eaton has any number of names in a star-studded midfield: vice-captain Chris Atthowe, recruit Alex James, rising star Jace Cormack, Gino Catalano, Scott Tynan - the list goes on.
