A spirited performance by Eaton Boomers failed to stop Busselton’s Colts line-up from scoring a 37-point win and going through to week three of this year’s finals series.
Spurred on by a fearsome home crowd, Eaton was determined to impress and remain in contention for the 2018 South West Football League Colts premiership title.
The side launched off the blocks favourably, dominating possession and running straight into their forward 50.
Boomer Brenden Pike got the ball rolling with game’s first goal, responding to a poor tap from Busselton and volleying through the posts.
Busselton’s backs fought to prevent more goals from the home side, as their attempts at goal repeatedly fell short.
Riley Broadbent broke the drought for the visitors and kicked the Magpies’ first goal midway through the term.
They then took the lead thanks to a goal from Connor Timms.
Eaton’s second goal then evened the scores, before a couple of near misses put them in front by three late in the term.
Eaton was wary of its opposition, and – after carrying a three-point lead into the first change – needed several quick goals put themselves in a comfortable position.
The second term started out slow as both sides continually grounded the ball or put it over the boundary line.
Busselton then kicked into gear and kept the majority of play in or close to their forward 50.
The Boomers took several attempts to clear the ball, but were stopped by the Magpies’ midfield.
Following a collection of near misses, Timms put his side back in front and kick-started an impressive run from the Magpies.
Eaton’s fans were looking worried, until a sublime effort from Declan Highman kept his side in the contest.
Busselton, however, remained in control during the term and, following Joshua Wright’s after-the-siren effort, took a 5.9.39 to 3.5.23 lead into the main break.
Busselton had the momentum in the second quarter, but were caught off guard by Eaton at the beginning of the third.
After Magpie Joshua Lee booted his first goal, Eaton moved quicker and took more chances.
An impressive effort from Boomer Roy George moved the side to within ten points.
Boomers’ fans then erupted as the side booted their sixth goal.
Although pressured in the third term, Busselton had still done enough to take a five-point lead into the fourth quarter.
Eaton’s hopes of a grand final spot faded fast, as Wright was given enough time and room to slot his second for the game.
With play mostly residing in the visitors’ half, the Boomers were unable to take many risks or set up opportunities.
After a couple of behinds, Busselton extended its lead with two goals from Harvey Golding and one more from Lee.
Mitchell Pidgeon booted Busselton’s eleventh and put the final nail in the coffin.
A blistering fourth-quarter display helped the Magpies to secure a 11.14.80 to 6.7.43 triumph.
The side will face Augusta-Margaret River in what is expected to be an enthralling preliminary final showdown this weekend.
In last weekend’s other clashes, reigning premiers Bunbury moved through to this year’s grand final with a solid victory over the Hawks.
The second semi-final saw Bunbury take a seven-point lead into quarter time.
The Bulldogs held Augusta-Margaret River to just one goal in the second, as Bunbury booted another three before half time.
Bunbury’s four-goals-to-two third-quarter performance shrunk the Hawks’ chances of victory.
Augusta-Margaret River slotted three goals to one in the final term, before Bunbury celebrated a 10.6.66 to 7.6.48 win.
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