SWFL: Tigers pounce on semi-final berth

South Bunbury progressed to the second semi-final against the Eaton Boomers with a hard-fought 18-point win over Augusta-Margaret River at Payne Park on Sunday.

On a ground still drying from the rain during the week the Tigers used the football better and made the most of their scoring opportunities.

The Hawks dominated the opening term with ruckmen Asher Samelko and Dan Atkinson providing their midfielders with first use of the ball but turnovers and pressure from the Tigers’ defence ensured the margin at quarter time was manageable.

Tigers’ skipper Matt Giacci made a welcome return from injury and was a standout.

The second quarter was to be the Hawks’ downfall kicking a miserable 0.6 while the Tigers booted 3.5 Best on ground Damon Bull made the most of a 50m penalty to goal but majors were hard to come by as the heavy conditions made retaining possession difficult.

Goals to Fraser Millar and Guy Piggott ensured South Bunbury were in front at halftime and the lead stretched further after the break.

With Wes Lammie having more of an influence and Bull, Giacci, Millar and Dylan Harper all having an impact the Tigers were looking strong.

Late in the term the Hawks sprang back to life with three quick goals, two of them to Cody Miller.

AMR hit the front early in the final term when Josh Morgan was spotted alone in the square but a strong mark and goal to Lammie restored Souths’ advantage.

When Piggott added his fourth after a 50m penalty and Bull kicked a splendid goal on the run, the lead was out to 13 points approaching time on.

Scoreboard - Qualifying Final

South Bunbury 2.2 5.7 7.9 11.10 76 def Aug-Marg River 3.3 3.9 6.11 7.16 58

Goals:

SOUTH BUNBURY – G. Piggott 4, F. Millar, D. Bull 2, L. Kohlmann, W. Lammie, A. Harper.

AMR – A. Baker, C. Miller, B. Noakes 2, T. Noakes.

Best:

SOUTH BUNBURY – D. Bull, M. Giacci, F. Millar, G. Piggott, M. Wilkinson, W. Lammie.

AMR – B. Franz, C. Miller, P. Travers, D. Atkinson, A. Samelko, J. Eastwell.