SWFL: South Bunbury survive another big scare to beat Augusta-Margaret River by seven points

South West Football League reigning premiers South Bunbury survived another big scare, this time from Augusta-Margaret River, to win by seven points in their clash at Hands Oval on Saturday.

Coming off a bye in round two after launching a furious comeback to beat Carey Park in their season opener, the hosts were issued a serious challenge by the Hawks, who led the game as late as the closing stages of the third term.

But they were again able to find their best when the game was up for grabs to come away with a 14.6 (90) to 12.11 (83) victory.

The Tigers trailed by one straight kick at the start of the final term, which Blaine Johnson (four goals) provided not long after the resumption before Tyson Lane bobbed up to kick two goals which gave them a buffer.

A third major from impressive Hawk Jed Spence as the clock ticked into red time cut the margin back again but proved to be the last in the game.

The result sees South Bunbury’s winning streak, which dates back to round one of last season, extend out to 22 games.

Also on Saturday, Busselton beat Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault by 55 points to maintain their spot at the top of the ladder.

Another stout defensive performance from the visitors — who have conceded an average of only 43 points through their three games this season — was the driving force behind a 14.12 (96) to 6.5 (41) result.

Liam Creighton (five goals) and off-season recruit Ryan Ekert (four) did the damage in attack for the Magpies, with Jarrod Humphries (two) the only multiple goal-kicker for the hosts.

Second-placed Bunbury also continued their unbeaten start to the season at Payne Park on Saturday, by beating Donnybrook by 35 points.

A blistering start saw the Bulldogs take a 33-point lead into the first break after kicking the only five goals of the first term and they were able to maintain that advantage for the duration of the day, winning 11.9 (75) to 5.10 (40).

Bunbury spread the offensive load with nine individual goalkickers while Zac Trigwell played a lone hand for the visitors, kicking four of his side’s five goals for the day.

On Sunday, Eaton recorded their first win in their new colours, downing Dunsborough by 17 points at Glen Huon Reserve.

Captain Jarrod Humphries led the way with another five-goal haul for the Boomers and Josh Kelly also slotted five of his own in a 13.12 (90) to 10.13 (73) result.

Recruit Ben McGuire and big man Jackson Broadbent also stood out for the winners, while Kai Holman and Jake Green (both two goals) gave their all for the Sharks.

Sunday’s other game saw Carey Park defeat Harvey Bulls by 66 points at Kelly Park.

It was a day for the veterans for the Panthers, with spearhead Matthew Martin slotting four goals and Kelvin Lawrence and Rory O’Brien contributing two apiece to lead their side to a 14.17 (101) to 5.5 (35) win.

Ahead by 29 points at the main break, the hosts piled on another six goals in the third term while keeping the Bulls to just one to make a certainty of the result.