SWFL finals: Collie beat HBL, Harvey knock out Bunbury

Just last week, the Bulldogs got the better of the Bulls by 37 points and fired early in the finals clash, kicking two goals to none in the first term. 

Harvey worked their way into the contest in the second term but struggled for accuracy in front of goal, heading into the main break with a 3.9.27 to 2.2.14 advantage. 

Bunbury rallied with the breeze in the third term, adding three goals to trim the deficit to a single point at the final change. But for the second time in the match, the Bulls held the Bulldogs scoreless for a full term to win 8.15.63 to 5.4.34. 

The Bulls now progress to the second semi-final where they will meet Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault after the Lions were upset by Collie. 

The first preliminary final for 2016 saw the Eagles up and about early, kicking four goals to two in the opening term. 

The Lions found their range in the second term, kicking five goals to lead by three points at half time. 

Collie kicked away in the third term to wrestle back the lead by 15 points at the final change. In one final twist, the Eagles were kept scoreless in the final term but HBL were only able to add two straight goals. 

As the final siren sounded, Collie held the advantage 10.10.70 to 11.1.67. The Eagles will now play South Bunbury on Sunday with the winner going straight to the grand final. 

In the reserves competition, Eaton have made the first semi-final against HBL with a win over Carey Park. 

Locked together at 6.6 apiece at half time, the Boomers added six unanswered goals in the third quarter to beat the Panthers 17.15.117 to 11.8.74.

Meanwhile Bunbury survived a late scare from South Bunbury to eliminate the Tigers reserves side 8.9.57 to 6.9.45.

In the colts competition, Bunbury also got the better of South Bunbury with a 65 point win to set up a clash with HBL.

The Bulldogs kicked eight goals to two in the first half and backed it up with seven more in the second half to prevail 15.14.104 to 5.9.39.

An entertaining elimination clash between Busselton and Augusta-Margaret River saw the Magpies leading by two points at half time. 

At full time, the two sides were tied at 9.14.68. Extra time gave the Hawks the chance to kick the winning goal and progress through to next week.

To see more photos from the first week of finals visit bunburymail.com.au