A goal by South West Football League stalwart Leigh Kohlmann in the dying seconds of the Max McGuire – Syd Jackson Cup clash on Sunday has helped South Bunbury snatch a thrilling two-point win over Bunbury.
Playing at Payne Park, the Bulldogs kicked with the breeze during the first term and nailed three goals to one.
Changing directions, the Tigers narrowed the margin to a single point by the main break. The Dogs again took the lead with the wind adding two goals and six points while keeping South Bunbury scoreless in the premiership quarter.
Having trailed at every break, the Tigers had some work to do in the final term to overcome a 19 point deficit.
But the wind continued to get stronger and with the Bulldogs also unable to score against the breeze, the Tigers managed to close out the game 7.6.48 to 6.10.46 winners.
The win ensures the Tigers will be crowned minor premiers with one round left to play.
Round 17 kicked off on Saturday night with Harvey holding out Carey Park.
The Bulls kicked three goals to nothing in the first term while both teams kicked three majors in the second term.
The Panthers pulled the margin back slightly in the third term but were held scoreless in the last to see Harvey prevail 11.14.80 to 6.7.43.
Collie got away to a fast start against Busselton on Saturday night. Playing away at Sir Stewart Bovell Park, the Eagles kicked five goals to three in the first quarter and led by 25 points at half time.
The Magpies pegged the margin back in the third quarter keeping Collie goalless but the Eagles rallied in the last to triumph 14.10.94 to 7.5.47.
After a string of upset wins, the Augusta-Margaret River Hawks were keen to keep their strong patch of form going. Accordingly, the HBL Lions took their opponents seriously and kicked six unanswered goals in the first term. By half time, the Lions led 8.3.51 to 0.1.1.
Try as the Hawks might, the game continued to be one way traffic with the Lions adding nine more goals in the second half. AMR did snag two majors in the third term but were completely overrun 17.6.108 to 2.5.17.
Eaton finished the round by climbing off the bottom of the ladder with a 25 point win over Donnybrook.
The Dons held a one point lead over the Boomers at quarter time but Eaton kicked away to lead by 26 points at the main break.
Eaton kept the pressure on in the second half to win 12.8.80 to 8.7.55.
In the last round, South Bunbury host Eaton, AMR host Busselton, Collie host Carey Park, Harvey host Bunbury and Donnybrook host HBL.
Andrew Elstermann
Email: andrew.elstermann@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Email: andrew.elstermann@fairfaxmedia.com.au
