SWFL 2022: South Bunbury returns to women’s comp after three weeks off with 41-point win over Harvey Bulls

South Bunbury’s journey to a fourth consecutive women’s premiership has continued to gain traction after a dominant display against Harvey Bulls on home turf. During the fifth round of the 2022 SWFL season, South Bunbury ran out for the first time in three weeks hosting the Bulls at Hands Oval on Sunday. After an initial scramble for the ball that resulted in plenty of turnovers for both sides, South Bunbury’s Bethany Bond broke through to score the first goal of the match. Although Harvey tried putting the pressure on to shut down the Tigers, Karyn Beeson booted a goal of her own to give South Bunbury a 13-point advantage at quarter time. The Bulls struggled to convert while in the forward line, leaving them on just one behind. The second term saw South Bunbury continue to quickly drive the ball forward with the likes of Tia Holt and Ebony Bilcich impressive in the midfield. While the Bulls’ struggle to convert continued, Bilcich booted a goal to extend South Bunbury’s lead, followed by a second goal for Bond. At half time, South Bunbury led 4.3 (27) to 0.1 (1) with the Bulls kept scoreless for the quarter. The third quarter saw a glimpse of hope within the Harvey camp as they quickly moved the ball forward but were unable to capitalise at the goal square. While South Bunbury laid some strong tackles, they were also unable to capitalise and managed only several minor scores to lead by 27 points at the final change. The final quarter saw South Bunbury seal the match in their favour as the Bulls strived hard to find a way to get a goal on the board. However, they managed only a behind while South Bunbury booted a further two goals via Abbey Bain and Bond to take the win 6.8 (44) to 0.3 (3). Bond, Kate Fielding, Charli Wicksteed and Gemma Wharton were named among South Bunbury’s best while Michelle Mullins, Harmony Staszewski-Hose, Rachel Shepherd and Rachel Tilbrook were among the Bulls’ best.