Match Report: AMR v HBL

Augusta-Margaret River held on for a tense three-point win over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault on Saturday night at Brunswick Oval.

Kicking with the wind and trailing by only four points heading into the last quarter, the Lions were favourites to claim victory, but the Hawks won it 7.9 (51) to 6.12 (48).

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault failed to capitalise on a strong breeze and the bulk of possession in the last quarter as the team could only manage seven points.

After the Lions kicked a point to tie the score at 45 points late in the last quarter, the Hawks surged forward and Mitch Gerrans snapped truly to give them a slender advantage.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure, but the Lions could not find a winning goal.

The first quarter was a tight affair with Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault forward Ashley Thornton kicking the first goal of the game after winning a free-kick.

However, a strong breeze allowed the Hawks to score the next three goals through Mitch Gerrans, Gary Garstone and Cameron Melvin.

Thorton kicked the last goal of the first quarter to reduce the Hawks' lead to eight points.

The Lions had great momentum during the second term, but found it hard to score a goal as they had a trio of misses before Thornton kicked truly

The Hawks endured a difficult second quarter after they lost key player Hamish Shepheard to a red card and failed to score.

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault midfielder Jack Quinn added the home side's second goal of the term before Thornton kicked another to open up a 14-point half-time lead.