THE Dons played host to the Bunbury Bulldogs for the Peter Betti memorial cup on Sunday August 17. On a big day sponsored by the Donnybrook Packing Company, the big crowd was treated to some very entertaining football.
The Bulldogs are pressing for minor premierships in colts 7 league and were always a big match up for the boys in blue and white.
First to play were the colts. The boys took it right up to their fancied opponents and led at quarter time. Playing what was probably their best half of football all season, the young Dons turned form on its head. Unfortunately the boys ran out of steam a bit in the fourth quarter, allowing Bunbury to score seven majors for a final scoreline of 124–39 which flattered the visitors. Best for the Dons were B. Murray, D. Symington, R. Ralston and S. Robertson.
Next to play were the reserves, missing a couple of key players with colts boys doubling up to plug the holes. Nonetheless the Dons were competitive all the way. The Dons stormed home in the fourth and narrowly failed to overhaul a tiring Bunbury, 68–51. Best for the Dons were S. Tynan, R. Cross, T. Howlett and N. Clarke.
The league side had some changes this week with the Giudici brothers playing league football together for the first time and Jarred Blacklegs back in the ones. Three colts boys doubled up to help out. The Dons started into the breeze and were soon behind, failing to score in a disappointing first quarter. Rising to the challenge in the second, the Dons outscored Bunbury in a tough low-scoring term.
Simon Parry was once again a man mountain in defence and the Dons went into the long break very much in the hunt. Fading badly in the second half, the Dons went down 11–94 at the end in a disappointing finish. Best on the day were S. Parry, L. Dale, B. Giudici and C. Sheehan.
Next week the Dons travel to Eaton in what will be a tough day for all three grades.
