South Bunbury have defeated Donnybrook in a physical encounter at Hands Memorial Oval on Saturday evening, in round three of the Dale Alcock Homes South West, South West Football League season.
The match was in its first minute when Jace Cormack started the scoring, but despite the early goal it was evident the match was going to be a tough affair, which it turned out to be. A further fifteen minutes would pass before the Dons kicked their first goal via Sam Perkusich courtesy of a clever snap. Cormack bobbed up again, to kick his second set shot goal of the term to give the Tigers an eight point lead nearing quarter time. Tanner Allen brought the crowd to their feet on the quarter time siren, when he launched a 55m goal bringing the margin back to two points.
The second quarter would be a beauty, with plenty of physicality, some strong marks and a few brilliant goals. The start of the term definitely belonged to Donnybrook, who looked irresistable as they kicked three goals in five minutes. The first by coach, Cody Leggett on the run from long range started the Dons challenge, before Michael Battaglia kicked a brilliant goal, deep in the right pocket on the run. When Allen snapped an excellent goal the margin had extended to sixteen points, but the Tigers clawed back the deficit, and when Tyson Lane kicked his second goal in three minutes, the Tigers were back within four points. Thomas Gallaway kicked a late goal to put South Bunbury in front, with eight goals kicked for the quarter.
The third quarter would be tough and uncompromising football, with the Tigers kicking three goals to one to lead by eleven points at the final change.
The Tigers took control in the final term, kicking four goals to one, eventually winning by 31 points, the biggest margin of the match.
Jace Cormack played a great game, as did Shaun Crane, while for the Dons, Cody Leggett and Sam Perkusich appeared to be everywhere.
The Tigers win puts them on top of the ladder with two games to be played on Sunday, and are one of three teams currently to have won two games. South Bunbury have the bye in round four before facing Harvey Brunswick Leschenault in round five, while Donnybrook will host Harvey Bulls in round four.
SCOREBOARD
South Bunbury 2.4.16 6.4.40 9.4.58 13.8.86
Donnybrook 2.2.14 6.2.38 7.5.47 8.7.55
Goals: South Bunbury – Jace Cormack 2, Tyson Lane 2, Nathan Murray 2, Kevin Chitty 1, Shaun Crane 1, Thomas Gallaway 1, Toby McGee 1, Bohdi Nordahl 1, Kade Wallrodt 1, Jay Wright 1. Donnybrook – Tanner Allen 2, Sam Perkusich 2, Michael Battaglia 1, Thomas Bennett 1, Cody Leggett 1, Zac Trigwell 1.
Best: South Bunbury – Shaun Crane, Toby Hawkins, Jace Cormack, Kevin Chitty, Kade Wallrodt, Rocco Versace. Donnybrook – Cody Leggett, Sam Perkusich, Colby McDonald, Tanner Allen, Clayton Giblett, Luke Dale.
Ground: Hands Memorial Oval
Umpires: Matthew Stewart, Spencer Drummond, Khye Skoda
Crowd: 899
