Bull boots five to down Donnybrook

Donnybrook’s finals chances took a severe blow on Sunday when South Bunbury defeated the hosts by 31 points at VC Mitchell Park despite the absence of key players Kyle Hams, Mason Hislop and Anthony Tsalikis.

A five goal to one first quarter set up the 16.8 (104) to 10.13 (73) win.

Damien Bull was busy in the first quarter and booted the first of his five goals in time-on in what was the beginning of arguably a best-on-ground display.

Dual Donnybrook Hayward Medallist Jeff Smith had booted the only goal for the quarter for his side deep in time-on and when talented youngster Hayden Krikke goaled at the start of the second term the signs were not good for the Dons.

However, as has happened in recent weeks, the efforts of Curtis Guglielmana, Shane Cristaldi, Luke Murphy and others chipping in around the ground helped the Dons rally, providing opportunities for Matt Shaw and Todd Gregory to kick goals.

The Tigers were dealt a blow when in-form midfielder Shaun Crane left the field with what looked like a calf injury, but Bull kicked his second goal and Jack Deschamp his first to restore the Tigers’ five-goal lead.

Curtis Guglielmana and Cristaldi led a Dons’ charge and they were more desperate around the ground. They managed to force the ball inside 50 more often, resulting in goals to Curtis and Jarrad Guglielmana and Milan Kokir to see the Dons down by just 10 points at half-time.

Curtis Guglielmana narrowed the gap with a quick goal in the third but the Tigers responded to put the result beyond doubt with five goals for the term and a lead of 32 points.

Bull, Kohlmann, Guy Piggott, Jaxon Bell, Matt Giacci, Jon Meadmore and Dylan Harper were all having an influence and the goals came easily.

The Dons came again in the final quarter with three goals to slightly outscore the Tigers, but South Bunbury was not to be denied as Bull added a couple to take his tally to five and Guy Piggott booted his second to indicate his potential impact in the weeks ahead.

The loss leaves the Dons two wins outside of the top-five with just four games left in the home and away season.

South Bunbury 104 def Donnybrook 73

GOALS: South Bunbury - D. Bull 5, L. Kohlmann 3, G. Piggott, D. Wilkinson, H. Krikke, J. Deschamp, J. Bell, C. Ugle, K. Cadman. Donnybrook - J. Smith 4, C. Guglielmana 2, M. Kokir, C. Miller, J. Guglielmana, J. Ripper.

BEST: South Bunbury - D. Bull, J. Meadmore, L. Kohlmann, D. Harper, B. London, M. Thompson. Donnybrook - C. Guglielmana, L. Murphy, S. Cristaldi, M. Shaw, J. Smith, B. Peircey.