Tigers too strong for young Bulls

South Bunbury claimed their ninth-straight victory on Sunday, defeating an undermanned Harvey Bulls by 73 points at Hands Oval.

The Bulls were missing seven of their best 22 players for the big clash and the Tigers pounced, cruising after half-time to win 17.13 (115) to 6.6 (42).

With injuries hampering the Bulls’ team, Denver Ryan and Jaxon Egan from the colts made their debuts.

Despite the missing personnel, the Bulls made a bright start to the game when Darcy Boyle kicked an early goal.

South Bunbury forward Anthony Tsalikis set the tone for his game, kicking the next two for the Tigers on his way to six for the game.

The match was evenly poised before the Bulls lost ruckman Kieren Germs just before quarter time to a knee injury.

South Bunbury started to dominate possession in the second quarter, giving forwards Tsalikis and Leigh Kohlmann enough supply to cause the Bulls’ backline plenty of headaches.

The lead quickly blew out to four goals for the Tigers, but the Bulls hit back late in the term to reduce the margin to five points thanks to goals to Delray Jones, Michael Genovese and Denver Ryan.

The challenge from the Bulls was quickly extinguished though in the third.

South Bunbury’s midfield got on top, and their forwards found more space as the Bulls started to fade.

Dean Miller and Richard Shaw battled hard along with Kyle Hardman for the Bulls, however a six goal to one term saw the Tigers lead by 38 points by three-quarter time.

It was more of the same in the final term.

The Bulls did not give up, but sheer weight of possession saw the Tigers run away with the match.

Mason Hislop and Brady London were again superb in defence, and Tsalikis added three goals for the quarter.

Tigers coach Mark Docking said he was pleased with the win.

“It was a real pressure contest in the first half, causing many errors from both sides,” he said.

“Some defensive lapses late in the second were costly for us, but we regrouped and rallied in the second half as the match opened up. The team was very happy to win for Josh Ryder’s 50th match.”

Harvey Bulls coach Paul Fimmano said he was pleased with his team’s effort despite the big margin.

“I was rapt with the effort of our kids,” he said.

South Bunbury 115 def Harvey Bulls 42

GOALS: South Bunbury – A. Tsalikis 6, L. Kohlmann 3, H. Krikke, G. Piggott, J. Wright 2, J. Deschamp, J. Kirby. Harvey Bulls – M. Genovese 2, D. Boyle, D. Jones, J. Pickett, D. Ryan.

BEST: South Bunbury – J. Meadmore, D. Harper, A. Tsalikis, B. London, J. Kirby, M. Thompson. Harvey Bulls – D. Miller, M. Genovese, M. Robson, J. Pickett, K. Hickman, N. Carney.''''''