Kohlmann kicks Tigers to unlikely derby triumph

South Bunbury forward Leigh Kohlmann spoilt Bunbury’s afternoon on Sunday, starring in the final term to give the Tigers a four-point come-from-behind victory at Payne Park.

Kohlmann kicked three quick goals late in the game to give the visitors a 7.6 (48) to 6.10 (46) win.

The victory meant the Tigers retained the Syd Jackson-Max McGuire Cup and sealed the minor premiership.

The Bulldogs looked the better side for most of the first half, as their smaller players applied plenty of pressure on the Tigers’ ball carriers.

Bunbury teenager Gaeton Mwanangela was busy and along with the likes of Cameron Lamonica, Travis Gray and Brad Blake, gave the Bulldogs an advantage in the midfield.

Forwards Matt Martin and Liam McGuire used their experience to kick goals in the opening term, while young roving forward Xavier Williamson marked and goaled halfway through the quarter to give the Bulldogs reward for their efforts.

The Tigers scrambled a goal in time-on of the first quarter, but when Martin goaled from long range to start the second, South Bunbury were under pressure.

Damon Bull got busy in the second quarter, keeping the visitors in the game by kicking two goals from long range.

The Bulldogs left the door ajar for the Tigers with some poor kicking on goals, which would later come back to haunt them.

The Bulldogs dominated the third quarter and held the Tigers scoreless, but again were wasteful, managing two goals from eight shots.

There was little sign of a Tigers victory in the early stages of the last quarter, while Bunbury looked as if they would continue on their way to a win.

But Kohlmann stepped up, snapping a beautiful goal with the aid of the breeze to change the game’s momentum.

Brady London was moved into the ruck and Tom Harper showed strength on the ball.

This gave Kohlmann excellent delivery and he took full advantage to kick two more goals and give the Tigers the unlikely derby victory.