The rain held out for the South West Football League’s WA Day clash between the Bunbury Bulldogs and the South Bunbury Tigers at Hands Memorial Oval.
As the final game of round seven, the nail-biting match saw Bunbury win out with just four points separating the rivals.
South Bunbury’s defence worked hard at the start of the first quarter with Bunbury getting the ball in the forward line but failing to score.
Bunbury’s Braiden Mcmullen gave away a free kick but resulted in a behind.
The Bulldogs were getting clearances but couldn’t manage a mark in the forward 50.
A high tackle on Bunbury’s Mcmullen in the forward line gave way to a free kick which was missed right in front of goals.
An error in judgement for Bunbury saw them kick back in defence, which resulted in a goal by South Bunbury’s Leigh Kohlmann.
Bunbury’s Bradley Blake kicked their first goal of the day before Matthew Martin missed a shot at goals
The Bulldogs’ game plan was evident in the first quarter as they played on at every chance to move the ball quickly down the ground.
Bunbury’s Martin was given a free kick – his second shot at goal and kicked truly before the siren rang out.
South Bunbury got the second quarter underway with Rhys Crawford converting a free kick to a goal before Bunbury’s Jesse Gribble backed it up with a goal of his own.
Brett Peake kicked Bunbury’s fourth goal of the game with Liam Mckenna from South Bunbury claiming another from the centre bounce clearance.
Bunbury’s Martin kicked his second goal of the match followed Peake who kicked the sixth goal for the game.
South Bunbury’s Mckenna got his second goal from the forward line and dominated possessions for his team.
At half time Bunbury was leading by 11 points with the score sitting at 28 to 39.
Bunbury came back strong in the third quarter with Martin kicking his third goal of the match.
South Bunbury replied with a goal from Kohlmann and managed to almost catch up halfway through the third quarter with only four points separating the two sides.
Entering the last quarter of the day, the win was open for the taking with a mere three points in it.
Hungry for the victory, Bunbury’s Peake kicked things off with another goal, he backed it up almost scoring again as he weaved around opposition players in the forward line but missed.
South Bunbury desperate to make up the points had too many handballs which led to mistakes and tackles from Bunbury.
Bunbury continued to dominate as the game neared full time, controlling the ball and keeping it forward.
South Bunbury’s Stein kicked the teams seventh goal with Angus Cavallo scoring off a free kick from rough tackle.
Rhys Crawford kicked a goal that put South Bunbury in the lead for the first time and with just minutes to spare.
It looked like South Bunbury could pull off an impressive win before Bunbury’s Mark Longbottom scored again putting them back in front to claim victory with a final score of 63 to 67.
South Bunbury and Bunbury’s women’s side took to the field before the league rivals.
The 2017 premiers were inaccurate in the first quarter kicking four behinds while South Bunbury managed one goal and two behinds.
Bunbury were able to find their rhythm in the second term and kicked two goals while keeping their opponents to one point.
The Bulldogs kept their lead in the second half, kicking two goals in the third and one in the last.
The final score was 3.4 (22) to 5.9(39).
Bunbury will face off against Harvey Bulls at Payne Park next Sunday whilst South Bunbury will head to Glen Huon Reserve to take on Eaton Boomers.
