Match Report: Harvey v HBL

A strong second-half performance helped the Harvey Bulls to a 33-point win over the Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Lions at Brunswick Oval on Sunday.

The Bulls' 12.11 (83) to 7.8 (50) victory was set up in the third quarter, when Harvey kicked five goals and kept the home side scoreless.

After failing to score a goal in the second quarter, Harvey hit the lead early in the third quarter through Jordan Fimmano, before goals from Mark Cherubino and Kieran Germs helped build a lead that the Bulls never relinquished.

The Lions' attempts to push the ball forward were halted by the Bulls' midfield and defence, leaving the home side frustrated.

A great running goal from Michael Genovese gave Harvey great momentum heading into the final quarter.

The home side was desperate for the first goal of the fourth quarter, but goals from David Faulkner, Cherubino and Joshua Krispyn allowed the Bulls to control the tempo.

Harvey was happy to retain possession in the final quarter and force the home side to win the ball back.

Goals from David Newman and Jack Quinn ended the Lions' goal drought but it was too late to mount a comeback of any significance.

It was not all one-way traffic for the Bulls, though, as the home side had the better of the first half.

The Bulls began with great intensity and kicked the first three goals of the match before Ashley Thornton kicked two goals and Ty Armitage added another.

The Bulls' attack faded in the second quarter - just as it did against Eaton last week - but the Lions players were not able to make Harvey pay, with only Callum Wedge and Armitage scoring majors.

Kripsyn and Genovese were instrumental figures for the Bulls' second-half resurgence, proving immense in midfield areas and racking up possessions with ease.

Bulls' ruckman and forward Andrew McDougall was dominant in aerial contests, while Cherubino was dangerous in crumbing situations.

In defence, Jack Quinn was an important figure for the Lions, claiming intercept marks and looking to push the home side forward.