Bunbury defeats Carey Park in Nani Cup/Anzac clash

As the sun went down on Saturday afternoon, Bunbury and Carey Park were eager to collect the four points. 

Bunbury RSL life-time member Alf Mainstone led the Anzac service, encouraging both teams to play fair. 

Players, coaches and fans were brought together by the Ode, Last Post, and National Anthem. 

Fired up and ready to play, Bunbury controlled possession from the first minute. 

Bradley Blake took a comfortable mark before lining up for a goal from 35 metres out. 

After slotting Bunbury’s first for the game, Blake strived to set up chances for star forward Brett Peake.

Carey Park put up a brick wall-like defence, while its midfield found plenty of chances up forward. 

Tyler Chalwell slotted the Panthers’ first midway through the quarter, before Eli Hill’s snap kick extended the home side’s lead. 

The accurate kicking of Riese Wilkey gave Carey Park a strong lead shortly before quarter time. 

Tempers on and off the field flared while scuffles broke out around the ground. 

Bunbury’s problems soon mounted as Trent Gribble’s attempt from boundary line spun through the point posts. 

Carey Park was elated with its six-point lead at the first change. 

Bunbury coach Jamie Nani was less than impressed with his side’s efforts. 

The leader called for his squad to find free players and create more opportunities on the run. 

Inspired by Nani’s words, Bunbury’s Jesse Gribble lined-up and converted his side’s third goal. 

Kane Bumann stopped Panther Coen Bradshaw’s attempt at goal, right before Bunbury’s midfield found an unmanned Brett Peake close to the goal square. 

After Peake’s attempt hit the post, Gribble’s second goal snatched the lead back for Bunbury. 

Jeffrey Carter’s goal close to half time kept Carey Park in contention. 

Trailing by seven at the main break, the Panthers needed to regroup to have any chance at a third straight win. 

Panther Jake Thurston got his side to within one point, before Ben Frazer’s goal pushed the margin back out to seven.

Bunbury’s midfield crashed into the Panthers’ intimidating backline throughout the third term. 

Once they broke through, the Bulldogs kicked three goals in quick succession. 

The Panthers only managed seven points for the term, as the Bulldogs seized a 33-point margin at the final change. 

Panthers coach Richard Barnard pleaded for more attempts at goal in the final term. 

“They can and will be beaten, but you’ve got to want it,” he said.

The recharged Panthers lineup created more opportunities in the fourth quarter. 

After kicking a couple of chances through the point posts, Carey Park closed the gap through Timothy Yarran and Heath Stewart.

Spurred on by a fierce home crowd, the Panthers found free players around the ground and kept up the pace. 

Panthers fans were furious after an alleged dropped ball from Bunbury was let go by the umpire. 

A last-ditch snap kick from Panther Jarrod Humphries sailed into the goal post. 

Fighting off Carey Park’s intensity in the final term, the visitors held on for a 10.10.70 to 9.10.64 win. 

While collecting the Nani Cup, Blake thanked the Nani family, both teams and the fans for their achievements. 

The Panthers sit second behind Collie while the Bulldogs cling to third on the SWFL 2018 ladder. 

The Bulldogs face a grand final rematch against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault in round four. 

The Panthers will head to Eaton to take on Eaton Boomers next weekend.