Eaton tame Bulldogs

An accurate Eaton Boomers took confidence into next weekend’s qualifying final against Bunbury, downing the Bulldogs by 15-points at Payne Park on Sunday.

In wet conditions neither side was able to gain control throughout the match until the Boomers held the Bulldogs goalless in the final quarter to win 6.5 (41) to 2.14 (26).

With nothing to play for but plenty to learn, both coaches swung the changes to test what could work ahead of next weekend’s final.

Bunbury were without key position player Aidan Parker and running powerhouse Clint Garlett, while the Boomers were missing Gino Catalano.

The Boomers started the game with four tall forwards in an attempt to stretch Bunbury’s defence, with ruckman Brendan Page joining Rohan Lilly, Jake Ferrier and Leigh Kelly inside the forward 50.

Eaton brothers Jye and Jace Cormack shared the tagging role on Bunbury captain Jesse Gribble who relished the tough conditions to win a number of clearances.

The league’s leading goal kicker Marc Re battled against key Boomers’ defender William Barnes with the latter having his measure to keep Re goalless.

Eaton key forward Kelly looked a shadow of the player he was last weekend against Donnybrook, as he failed to hit up on the lead and present a valuable option for the Boomers.

Instead it was big forward Ferrier who took the game by storm, kicking Eaton’s only three goals in the first half, including an amazing soccered goal late in the second quarter.

Bunbury had the yips in front of goals with a number of players missing set shots, but the scoreboard looked worse with Eaton rushing six behinds for the game.

Chris Atthowe was sensational with his kicking from half-back setting up his midfielders on a number of occasions for powerful forward thrusts.

At one stage in the third quarter Atthowe snuck forward to kick a goal, which stopped the Bulldogs’ momentum who were charging.

Both coaches will be pleased their respective teams did not appear to suffer any significant injuries ahead of their clash next weekend.

Full match previews in Thursday's South Western Times.

Scoreboards

Eaton Boomers 2.0 3.1 4.1 6.5 41 def Bunbury 0.2 1.6 2.12 2.14 26

Goals:

EATON BOOMERS- J. Ferrier 3, M. Battaglia, C. Atthowe, R. Lilly.

BUNBURY- T. Gribble, L. McGuire.

Best:

EATON BOOMERS- C. Atthowe, J. Bowe, K. Bloxsidge, M. Battaglia, W. Barnes, J. Ferrier.

BUNBURY- J. Gribble, J. Adamson-Holmes, S. Miles, J. Williams, M. Smythe, L. McGuire.

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