SWFL 2023: Six-goal haul secures second win for Harvey Bulls

Carly LadenBunbury Herald
Camera IconHarvey's Sam Lewis gets a handball out under pressure. Credit: Jon Gellweiler/JLG Photographics

Despite kicking inaccuracy plaguing both sides, a six-goal haul during the last quarter helped the Harvey Bulls record their second victory in a row, defeating the Collie Eagles by 61 points.

The Bulls played host to the Eagles during round two of the 2023 South West Football League season on Sunday.

Despite the Bulls quickly swarming Collie in the midfield, the Eagles were the first to hit the scoreboard, managing a minor score in the midst of high pressure.

Harvey would quickly respond, driving the ball from end to end with Michael Humble scoring the first goal of the match.

What followed was a flurry of behinds for the Bulls as Collie looked to respond and apply extra pressure across the field.

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Camera IconCollie's Hayden Mears gets airborne. Credit: Jon Gellweiler/JLG Photographics

While Hayden Mears managed an impressive mark inside 50, all that could be mustered was a behind as the contest reached a stalemate.

By quarter time, the Bulls led by a single goal, giving the Eagles a promising sign of hope.

While Collie were quick to drive the ball forward early in the second term, kicking accuracy continued to plague them, leaving them to scoring behinds.

Jarrod Bowman was also coming into his own for the Bulls, applying plenty of pressure across the back line.

Camera IconHarvey's Jarrod Bowman gets a fist to the ball in the contest. Credit: Jon Gellweiler/JLG Photographics

Despite both sides continuing to fight hard throughout the high-pressure contest, neither side was capitalising on set shots as more and more behinds were recorded.

A couple of late goals for the Bulls saw them lead 4.5 (29) to 0.8 (8) at the main break.

Collie’s luck began to turn during the early stages of the third quarter, quickly moving the ball forward and finally booting a major via Jayce Fontana.

However, Harvey would find a way to respond with a goal via Tyson Powell to extend their lead.

Camera IconHarvey's Dylan Marino goes for a spoil on Collie's Jayce Fontana. Credit: Jon Gellweiler/JLG Photographics

The Bulls would find their groove once again late in the quarter with late goals via Paul Bower and Jacob Pickett to lead 7.11 (53) to 1.10 (16) at the final change.

The final quarter was where the Bulls really put their foot down, charging through Collie to boot six goals in a bid to secure the win.

While Collie managed a further two goals to try and shave down the margin, their efforts proved futile as the Bulls came away with the 13.15 (93) to 3.14 (32) win.

Bowman was rewarded for his outstanding performance across the back line, receiving the 2023 Lockie Hernaman medal as best on ground.

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