Carey Park mark centenary with victory in the South West Football League reserves final

South Bunbury may have put up more of a fight than some had expected but when push came to shove Carey Park was simply too good, running the game out 5.7.37 to 9.12.66 victors.

The game kicked off to an entertaining start with South Bunbury getting numbers to the contest to kick the first major through Kale Francis.

But efforts from Chris McMillan and Shannon Spadaccini would see Carey Park hit back through the shoe of Glen Garlett.

Both sides were coughing up turnovers early as the game went back and forth along the wings.

Morgan Lane was silky around the ground for South Bunbury while Andrew Rake was breaking packs for Carey Park.

The Panthers went into the first break leading by a straight kick.

South Bunbury kept contesting hard in the second quarter but found it hard to hit the scoreboard.

Carey Park’s Sam Browne had locked down on Francis and options were limited for the Tigers.

The Panthers bagged the first two of the second quarter through Sam Colvin and Shane De Campo.

Jaxon Bell was rewarded for his strong play with a late goal keeping the Panthers’ lead to 14 at the half time interval.

The tussle continued in the third quarter with Carey Park only extending their lead by five points.

South Bunbury’s Jack DeSchamp but Sam Colvin was producing good results in the opposite 50m arch for the Panthers.

Colvin managed two goals in the quarter, one coming just before the siren sounded.

The fourth was a matter of Carey Park doing what needed to be done to hang on to the game.

James Mortensen continued his work around the ground while Dylan Garlett and McMillan were also productive.

Cody Garlett and Sheldon Pickett booted majors in the final term to seal the victory.

Mortensen was awarded the best on ground medal for his performance.

To see more coverage of the South West Football League grand finals grab your copy of the Bunbury Mail on Wednesday.