THE Dunsborough Towners withstood a spirited fightback from Busselton before taking the honours with a 3-2 victory in a Premier League clash at the Dunsborough Playing Fields on Sunday.
It was the second time in a week that Dunsborough had got the best of Busselton, having qualified for the semi-finals of the South West Cup with a 4-2 success the week before.
This time the victory was all the sweeter with the Towners reserves beating Busselton 5-4 in a thrilling encounter having trailed 4-1 at half time with Kaden Heathcote helping out with a hattrick of goals.
Heathcote had the rare distinction of being named among the best players in both the reserves and the main game while Alex Sexias was named the Wine Growers man of the match.
In the main game Dunsborough lost the services of the vastly experienced Chris Blackburn, co-opted Justin Barker as the goalkeeper and started with only ten men when work commitments prevented defender Phil Turtle making it for the kick-off.
When The Towners established a two goal lead through Reuben Gelmi in the 16th minute and Michael Raper in the 26th, Dunsborough looked comfortable.
But as is always the case with Busselton they counter-attacked with two searing right wing crosses in the 29th and 36th minutes from Andy Porter finding Mark McClaren and then Mike Newell who equalised with two perfect headers.
The opening of the second half was all Towners as they pummelled Busselton hitting the post twice and then narrowly missing a series of half chances.
Pressure finally succeeded in the 53rd minute when Raper finished off the best move of the match to angle home a neat shot from close range and earn the Dunsborough Bakery man of the match award.
In a tense second half both sides created chances that should have been converted with Barker making the save of the match from an edge of the penalty free kick.
It was a dark day for the Women’s Premier league side when they crashed to an 11-0 defeat with Marissa De Francesca being named the Capes Dry Cleaners player of the match.
Men’s Premier League. Midland Brick Player of the year award: Michael Raper 3, Kaden Heathcote 2, Danny Walsh 1.
Men’s Reserves: Bootleg Brewery Player of the year award: Alex Sexias 3, Kaden Heathcote 2, Robin Saber 1.
Women’s Premier League. Peko Peko Player of the year award: Marissa De Francesco 3, Dani Clarker 2, Casey Morrison 1.
