Hawks miss chance for a home final

Augusta Margaret River lost to Bunbury at Gloucester Park on Saturday afternoon, in the final round of the SWFL Premiership Season.

A win to the Hawks would have guaranteed them a home final next weekend, but after three close quarters, the Hawks finished with seven straight behinds in the final term.

For three quarters it was goal for goal, which had some individual brilliance thrown in for good measure. Both teams were not at full strength, but the crowd were witness to an entertaining contest.

Will Cassidy would kick the opening goal inside three minutes, but that was immediately answered by Joel Houghton to put Bunbury into the lead.

Max Spyvee put the Hawks back to the lead when he converted a set shot, and when Matthew Bannister snapped a terrific goal the Hawks were in front by ten points.

Joel Houghton kicked his second for the quarter to narrow the margin, before Kaedyn Brady put the Bulldogs back to the lead. The Hawks missed three late chances, and took a two point advantage into quarter time.

Byron George got the home side off to a perfect start in the second term, but Joel Houghton popped up again at the other end, kicking his third for the match.

Zeke Walker put the Bulldogs back in front, but that was only for five minutes before Matt Bannister took a great pack mark restoring the Hawks lead.

Jack Hick won a good one on one duel to put the Hawks eleven points in front, but as had been the case throughout the match, the opposition immediately replied.

Harry Creasey had a purple patch in time on, kicking two quick goals from opposite pockets, with Bunbury leading at half time by a behind.

Creasey would kick his third at the eight minute mark of the third quarter, after both defensive lines had a period of dominance, but again this was immediately answered by the Hawks Taashi Dingey goaled after a 50m penalty.

Joel Houghton kicked a tremendous goal to narrow the margin again to a point, running away from goals and snapping deep in the right forward pocket.

A goal to James Hawksley from a high tackle gave the Bulldogs back the lead yet again, but that lasted less than a minute when the Hawks took the lead back.

Zeke Walker would then convert a set shot from long range, giving Bunbury a five point lead at three quarter time.

After twelve lead changes in the preceding three quarters, fans should have been instore for a thrilling finale, but it never eventuated.

The margin slowly drifted out of reach the longer the quarter ran, but if there needed to be a defining goal, it would be Joel Houghton’s fifth from long range which sank the Hawks chances.

Bunbury 15.5.95 def. Augusta Margaret River 9.17.71