Donnybrook win honours life of player

Jace Cormack completed an emotional day for the Donnybrook Football Club, when he kicked a goal to give the Dons a one-point win over South Bunbury at VC Mitchell Park on Saturday.

Donnybrook honoured the life of former player Joel Parker, 21, who died earlier in the week with a 8.11 (59) to 8.10 (58) victory.

The Tigers kicked with the aid of a firm breeze in the first term and had the jump early, with forward Leigh Kohlmann (three goals) getting on the scoreboard early.

Craig Hutcheson booted the Tigers’ second goal before the Dons had even managed to push it forward of centre. Halfway through the term the Dons steadied with their solid defence stopping the Tigers’ run, while regular contributors Sean Lynch and Sam Lowrie both goaled in time on.

The Dons failed to capitalise on the breeze in the second term, until Chris Atthowe punished a defensive error and put Donnybrook in front.

Donnybrook vice-captain Cody Miller was red carded at the 13-minute mark and for a brief period there was a little tension in the game. Deakin Stein put the Tigers up by 10 points when he kicked a goal, with the visitors looking the better side heading into half-time.

But again, in time-on the Dons were able to post a couple of goals.

Brett Eades launched one from well outside 50m and when Kieran Hug intercepted a kick-in and passed to Lynch who kicked a goal, the Dons suddenly had a five-point lead.

In the third quarter the Tigers were well on top with Kohlmann booting two goals and Hutcheson and Jack Deschamp adding one each. Brent Latch was leading a tight defence and restricted the Dons to just the two behinds for the quarter. Despite an early goal to Lowrie there were few signs of a Dons’ revival. A snap from Atthowe made it a one-goal game.

As time slipped away the Tigers looked as if they would hold on but a free for high contact to Cormack had the crowd on edge.

The Hayward Medallist kicked the goal with just a minute left in the game to give the Dons their 10th win of the season.

Donnybrook 2.2 5.5 5.8 8.11 59

South Bunbury 2.5 4.6 8.9 8.10 58

Goals: Donnybrook – S. Lowrie, C. Atthowe, S. Lynch 2, B. Eades, J. Cormack. South Bunbury – L. Kohlmann 3, C. Hutcheson 2, R. Versace, D. Stein, J. Deschamp.

Best: Donnybrook – R. Guidici, C. Beggs, S. Lowrie, S. Lynch, J. Cormack, C. Atthowe. South Bunbury – B. Latch, L. McKenna, R. Versace, J. McVee, L. Kohlmann.