SWFL 2023: Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault bounce back with comeback victory over Carey Park

Carly LadenBunbury Herald
Camera IconHBL captain Lauren Patane boots the ball. Carey Park vs HBL at Brunswick Oval. Credit: Shannon Verhagen

After a less than ideal start to their season, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault have bounced back on home turf, coming from behind to defeat Carey Park by four points 3.5 (23) to 3.1 (19) on Saturday.

While the opening term saw the Lions manage to build up an early lead and keep Carey Park scoreless by quarter time, the Panthers came firing back during the second term, booting three goals via Lana Bennett (two goals) and Breeanna Champion to take the lead.

By half-time, it seemed Carey Park had returned the favour to HBL, keeping the Lions scoreless for the second quarter to lead 3.0 (18) to 1.3 (9).

During the second half, the Lions rallied to try to make a comeback but they were ultimately kept to kicking 1.1 to shave the margin down to two points at the final change.

In an intense final-quarter showdown, the Panthers were restricted to scoring just one behind, while the Lions broke through with a major to seal the win.

Giaan Evans, who was one of the Lions’ three goal kickers in her SWFL debut, was named among the Lions’ best alongside Lauren Patane, Calista Harvey and Riley Brine.

Bennett, who was the sole multiple goal-kicker for the match, was named among Carey Park’s best alongside Chloe Pumphrey, Kirryn Williams and Shenika Garlett.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails