Football: Dons hold out Bulls' late charge

Donnybrook held off a spirited last quarter comeback from the Harvey Bulls to win by 20 points at Harvey on Sunday.

It could have been much closer as the Bulls missed three sitters in a seven-goal final term blitz, while the Dons kicked truly with the last kick to push the margin back out.

The game started at a furious pace but the Dons were more organised and gained midfield ascendancy through Curtis Guglielmana, Jeff Smith and Hayden King to lead by 16 points at the first change.

They took control in the second term, with Michael VanderKlashorst, Chris Sheehan and Aaron White impassable at half back.The Dons ran hard and were more desperate for the ball, with their forwards reaping the rewards of midfield dominance.

Ryan Blount kicked four goals as Donnybrook booted six unanswered goals to hold a match-winning 53-point lead at half-time.

The Bulls lifted their rating in the third term through Matt Robson, David Faulkner, Brett Lofthouse, Dean Miller, Mark Cherubino and Zetland Marino.

But their forward line was too crowded with Greg Sanders having to deal with two or three defenders and the midfield’s disposal let them down, while Donnybrook’s defence held firm with White and King outstanding.

The highlight was a sensational mark by Kris Clarkson, but while the Dons outscored the Bulls for the quarter, their run had stopped.

It was more evident in the final term as Harvey had winners all over the ground.

Sanders found more space and booted two goals for the quarter while Robson was in fine touch in front of goal with three to finish with three and four respectively.

The Bulls mounted attack after attack and in the end it was three missed opportunities from closerange which cost them an unlikely win.

Scoreboards

Donnybrook 5.5 11.7 13.10 14.11 95 def Harvey Bulls 3.1 3.2 4.3 11.9 75

Goals:

DONNYBROOK — R. Blount 4, J. Guglielmana, J. Smith 2, C. Hewson, A. White, T. Howlett, K. Clarkson, S. Cristaldi, J. Smith, C. Billings.

HARVEY — M. Robson 4, G. Sanders 3, D. Faulkner, I. Huey, L. Jones, B. Mann.

Best:

DONNYBROOK — H. King, C. Guglielmana, J. Guglielmana, K. Clarkson, J. Smith, R. Blount.

HARVEY — M. Robson, B. Lofthouse, D. Faulkner, G. Sanders, D. Miller, M. Cherubino.