FOOTBALL: South Bunbury have shown once again why they are the best side in the South West Football League and are now just one win away from hoisting the premiership trophy aloft.
Despite strong rain, the Tigers showed their class with a 43 point win over the Bunbury Bulldogs.
The ground was wet from the first bounce and both sides took a few minutes to come to grips with the conditions.
After a good seven minutes of tussle in the centre square, South Bunbury got the ball down to full forward and Fraser Millar soccered home the first goal of the game.
Tiger Chris Andrew kicked the second before Bunbury vice-captain Grady Byrne left the over clutching his wrist.
A swirling breeze was having a definite effect on the game with important marks going down and South Bunbury adding three points from set shots.
The same was true at the other end where Marc Re was awarded a free quick 40 metres from home but the wind meant his kick didn’t make the distance.
Bunbury went into quarter time trailing 15 points to one with South Bunbury defenders Matt Wilkinson, Adam Harper and Ryan Smith standing strong.
Craig Thomas fired up the Bulldogs scoring the first goal of the second half before Brynn Francis returned fire.
Marc Re found his range and goaled before Adam Hunter pulled off a strong diving mark of the wet ball.
The goal umpire did not move as the ball was sent through the sticks and his side ran into half time with a 15 point lead.
As the sides took to the field for the second half the rain got stronger and the look on the Bunbury faces showed they meant business.
Winning the ball out of the ruck and sending it straight to Marc Re who goaled had the visitor’s supporters on their feet but the Tigers quickly wrestled back control.
Bulldog Ben Beauglehole was hit with a crunching tackle and left the field with a trainer before Millar and Braden Piggott goaled.
The game got more physical with the Bunbury defenders targeting former West Coast Eagle Adam Hunter who was having a field day.
A free kick saw him nail his second goal before Travis Gray missed an easy opportunity on the siren for the final change.
Tiger Damon Bull extended the lead with the first goal of the last quarter before Clint Garlett scored a fast-paced running goal at the other end.
Jordan Adamson-Holmes was much more effective than last week but goals to Giacci and a second to Francis sealed the 10.12.72 – 4.5.29 win.
South Bunbury earn a week off while Bunbury will have one more chance as they take on Eaton for the third time in four weeks.
I would also like to remind some of the fans standing near me that while finals are an exciting time and we all want our team to win – swearing at the umpires achieves nothing and sends the wrong message to young players and fans at the game.
To see more pictures from the second week of South West Football League finals grab your copy of the Bunbury Mail on Wednesday.
