SWFL Match Report: Bunbury v Eaton

An exuberant Bunbury Bulldogs outfit fell just 17-points short of causing a major upset against ladder leaders Eaton Boomers at Glen Huon Reserve on Sunday.

The Bulldogs lead the Boomers by five points at the final break but were unable to maintain their advantage with Eaton storming home to outrun the visitors 11.13 (79) to 9.8 (62).

In a gallant display the young Bunbury team challenged their more experienced opponents for all four quarters to nearly claim the premiership points.

Both sides looked equally poised in the first term with the youthful Bulldogs gaining confidence and momentum with every passing minute.

Bunbury midfielder Cameron Lamonaca (three goals) started the game in great fashion, accumulating plenty of possession and snagging two first quarter majors.

His direct opponent Denholm King was as equally damaging throughout the center of the ground, winning a lot of the ball and kicking a goal just before the first break.

Eaton coach Glen Dehring questioned his troops' intensity at the quarter-time huddle, outlining the Bulldogs' increased intent and pressure.

Chris Atthowe responded to his coach and got Eaton off to a flying start in the second term by booting a quick major.

But the youthful Bulldogs were up to the task and responded with successive goals off the boots of Blair Della Franca and Lamonaca.

Tempers flared half way through the second term with Eaton's Tyler Patterson receiving a yellow card for a tussle with Bunbury tagger Jake Prowse.

An unlikely Bulldogs victory looked all the more possible at halftime as the visitors entered the extended break with a four-point lead.

Bunbury began the second half in terrific form with Harry Creasey and Ashley Eades booting one goal each to extend the lead to 16-points.

But Bunbury was unable to pull off a miraculous victory as Eaton overran the youthful and tiring Bulldogs in the final quarter.