THE Dunsborough Towners picked up three valuable premiership points following a hard fought 2-1 victory over Eaton-Dardenup at the Dunsborough Playing Fields on Sunday.
It was a match that in reality rang alarm bells for the Towners that had to hang on grimly after establishing a two goal lead in the first half.
It is early days in the competition with teams still to settle into a cohesive pattern of play, but the signs are already there for lopsided contests.
The opening round witnessed Eaton humbled 9-1 by Bunbury Dynamo, Busselton beating Hay Park 5-2 and last Sunday Busselton sinking Margaret River 8-1.
With Dunsborough struggling to a come from behind for 3-3 draw with Margaret River in the opening round and fortunate to hold on for victory against Eaton, it could be a long season for both clubs.
Neither side, on Sunday’s showing, have a strike force to threaten the established clubs.
True the Towners hit the woodwork twice through Niall Malone and had a goal disallowed when midfielder Chris Blackburn headed home from a corner.
Two set pieces provided Dunsborough with the crucial breakthrough’s in the 18th and 32nd minute.
The first came from talented debutant 15 year old Luke Wright with free kick from the byline that floated into the top far corner of the net.
Defender Radar Savor provided Dunsborough with breathing space by heading home a corner in the 32nd minute.
There appeared little danger to Dunsborough’s march to victory until Eaton’s Matt Bicker reduced the leeway with a header on the far post in the 65th minute.
From then on it was backs to the wall for the Towners as their outstanding defence repelled a stream of attacks with Eaton seeking a share the spoils.
In the reserves Eaton handed Dunsborough an 8-2 hiding with Joel Ebsworth the Dunsborough Tavern man of the match.
In the women’s mtch Dunsborough went down 5-2 to Eaton, though they recovered from a four goal deficit to win the second half 2-1 with goalkeeper Casey Morrison being named the Capes Dry Cleaners player of the match.
Premier League Dunsborough Bakery Player of the season award. Votes: Luke Wright 3, Radar Savor 2, Justin Barker 1.
Reserves: Wilkinson Painting Contractors Player of the season award. Votes: Joel Ebsworth 3, Adam Matthews 2, Harry Carroll 1.
Women’s Premier League Player of the year award. Votes: Casey Morrison, Charlotte Delatte 2. Joey Schleuter 1.