Tigers come home strong for victory

South Bunbury survived a scare on Sunday, scraping past a valiant and persistent Augusta-Margaret River by 10 points at Hands Oval.

Tigers coach Mark Docking admitted his side “butchered” the ball in their 12.6 (78) to 10.8 (68) win over the young Hawks.

The Tigers were on the back foot early as the Hawks came strongly out of the blocks, applying pressure around the ground and using the ball better than their opposition in transition.

A forward line of Anthony Tsalikis, Leigh Kohlmann and Guy Piggott was starved of opportunities early, with the Tigers’ midfield reluctant to kick the ball, instead choosing too often to handball under pressure, which proved costly.

While at the other end of the ground, the young Hawks ran with intent and kicked long to forward Trinity Handley, who booted five goals for the day.

If it was not for the work of captain Matt Giacci, the marking ability of Kohlmann and the skills of Dylan Harper the Tigers would have been down by more than just three points at the major break.

The home side turned the tide of the game early in the third term, booting four goals in the first 10 minutes and they looked as if they would take the game away from Augusta-Margaret River.

Piggott booted two of his three goals in that period, while Damon Bull worked his way into the game, clearing the ball from the centre clearances on a number of occasions.

But a late goal from Lachlan Trembath was enough to keep the Hawks in the hunt and they turned the game in their favour after the final break, booting two quick majors.

It took some ill-discipline from the Hawks and a goal with two minutes left in the game from Brady London to decide the match.

Docking said his side was not playing good football at the moment.

“Our ball use was the most disappointing aspect of the game today. They (the Hawks) applied a lot of pressure in the midfield. If we cannot supply the ball good to our forwards, they cannot take marks and kick goals,” he said.

He confirmed recruit Marc Randell would not return for the year because of injury.

South Bunbury 78 def Aug-Marg River 68

GOALS: South Bunbury – G. Piggott 3, L. Kohlmann 2, A. Bondarczuk, A. Tsalikis, T. Harper, D. Bull, C. Cowan, D. Wilkinson, B. London. Aug-Marg River – T. Handley 5, M. Lynn, D. Childs, J. Oakes, L. Trembath, J. Hick.

BEST: South Bunbury – D. Harper, L. Kohlmann, D. Bull, M. Giacci, J. Meadmore, B. London. Aug-Marg River – K. Hadden, T. Handley, M. Lynn, T. Harrison, M. Lazic, B. Golowyn.