Hurt Dogs beat Hawks

Bunbury continued its unbeaten season but will be grateful for the break after picking up two more injuries in a 38-point win over Augusta-Margaret River on Sunday.

Liam McGuire and Ben Beauglehole both went off with hamstring injuries as the Bulldogs beat a determined Hawks side 12.13 (85) to 7.5 (47).

Augusta-Margaret River belied their ladder position in a first half played in tough conditions and only trailed by eight points at the main break.

Bunbury was dominant in the stoppages early and Jesse Gribble was the instigator, helping his team kick the first three goals.

Gribble, along with brother Trent, was a key figure throughout and his tireless work was a major factor in Bunbury breaking out of its lull after half-time.

The bottom-placed Hawks were putting the effort in early and got their reward, kicking two goals just before quarter time to get some benefit from the wind.

Leading goal kicker Marc Re missed a set shot from about 20m out after quarter time and the Bunbury spearhead was unusually erratic, kicking 2.5 for the game.

He struggled at times to judge long kicks into forward 50 under the swirling breeze but still provided a strong presence and set up a number of goals for his teammates.

Augusta-Margaret River’s Josh Morgan cleverly kicked two soccered goals for the term and again the Hawks produced the last two majors before the break, which kept the game close.

Clint Garlett chimed in after half-time, kicking three handy goals, one an excellent quick snap after an Aidan Parker assist, to extend Bunbury’s lead.

Parker was another of Bunbury’s best, winning more than his share of ruck knocks and kicking three goals.

The league leaders did not produce vintage, fluid football but began to progressively assert their dominance.

Missed chances late in the third quarter stopped the visitors from getting any closer, while it was Bunbury’s turn to spurn opportunities in the final quarter.

They kicked 2.8 for the term but it would only deny them percentage as they controlled the game to extend the final margin to 38.