Harvey Brunswick Leschenault have obtained a much needed victory, when they defeated Donnybrook at VC Mitchell Park on Saturday afternoon, in round nine of the Dale Alcock Homes South West, South West Football League season.
Donnybrook were celebrating their 500th League match at VC Mitchell Park, which saw members of the 1969 team which were the first to play at the venue, provide a guard of honour for the Dons as they run onto the ground, in a match that both sides needed to win.
The match started with a sensational goal to Jai Rout, who converted deep in the pocket on the run to give the Lions the early lead. Less than two minutes later, Zac Trigwell unleashed a kick from outside 50m to level the scores. Rout proved his initail goal was no fluke from deep in the right forward pocket, when he did it again, this time from a set shot. A fortuitous snap from Kristian Cary reduced the margin to a point in favour of the Lions midway through the term, as both sides went goal for goal. After a period of play where both defensive lines got on top, Sam Perkusich kicked a brilliant goal from long range, as the Dons led by seven points at quarter time.
The second quarter belonged to the Lions, with John Manuel kicking a good goal to narrow the margin to two points, in the early going of the second term. Tempers flaired on the members wing, with numerous players invovled in a melee, which saw Turnbull goal while the melee continued. Kristian Cary converted soon after putting Donnybrook back in front, and soon after hobbled off with an ankle injury, though he would return in the second half. The game was tight and tough, with the Dons missing several shots at goal, which cost them dearly when Zavier Williams converted after the half time siren to give the Lions the lead by two points at half time.
It was much of the same in the third, with the Lions making the most of their opportunities, while Donnybrook kicked just one goal from five shots, as the visitors took a thirteen point lead into the final term.
The Dons had to start well to have any chance, and when Zac Trigwell goaled early in the term, the margin was back to six points, and a big finish was in store. But Zavier Williams had other ideas, kicking two quick goals to extend the lead back to eighteen points. Ben Frazer kicked a goal from the exact location that Jai Rout converted from early in the match to narrow the margin to twelve points, which would be the final margin.
It was a win the Lions desperately needed after losing to four sides in the top five by 15 points or less, while for Donnybrook, they remain fifth, but are now falling behind the top three sides on the ladder. The Lions will host Carey Park next Saturday, with the Panthers one rung on the ladder higher than the Lions, while Donnybrook will have the bye.
SCOREBOARD
Harv Bruns Lesch 2.2.14 5.4.34 8.7.55 11.8.74
Donnybrook 3.3.21 4.8.32 5.12.42 8.14.62
Goals: Harvey Brunswick Leschenault – Zavier Williams 4, Jai Rout 2, Robbie Turnbull 2, Jesse Crichton 1, John Manuel 1, Blake Soulos 1. Donnybrook – Kristian Cary 2, Ben Frazer 2, Zac Trigwell 2, Sam Perkusich 1, Jack Worsfold 1.
Best: Harvey Brunswick Leschenault – Jesse Crichton, Connor Carbone, Robbie Turnbull, Zavier Williams, Jonathan Fenwick, Jai Rout. Donnybrook – Clayton Giblett, Mitchell Kings, Jacob Kendle, Sam Perkusich, Jack Hoskins, Ben Frazer.
Ground: VC Mitchell Park
Umpires: Matthew Stewart, Toby Potter
Crowd: 785
Photos courtesy of Jon Gellweiler