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SWFL 2022: Augusta-Margaret River hold off determined Harvey Bulls by 37 points with final quarter blitz

Headshot of Carly Laden
Carly LadenBunbury Herald
Harvey Bulls' Andrew Haydon and Augusta-Margaret River's Jake Rodgers clash in the midfield.
Camera IconHarvey Bulls' Andrew Haydon and Augusta-Margaret River's Jake Rodgers clash in the midfield. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times

A final-quarter blitz from the likes of Harry Taylor and Mitch Gerrans has helped Augusta-Margaret River secure a spot in the SWFL finals, defeating the Harvey Bulls by 37 points.

The Hawks travelled up the highway to Harvey Oval to take on the Bulls on Sunday in what was a crucial clash for the Bulls during the 19th round of the South West Football League season.

For the Bulls, it was a chance to get one step closer to a top-five finish and extend their lead over Donnybrook, who were hot on their tail on the league ladder.

It was a fairly even contest during the opening term, with both teams quick to put the pressure on each other from the outset.

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However, the Hawks managed to get themselves on the scoreboard first with a number of minor scores.

Harvey Bulls' Brad Holmes and Augusta-Margaret River's Lincoln Adams contest for the ball.
Camera IconHarvey Bulls' Brad Holmes and Augusta-Margaret River's Lincoln Adams contest for the ball. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times

Despite the Hawks struggling to get a major score on the board, their defensive pressure helped them keep the Bulls scoreless for the quarter.

Late goals from Sam Lewis and Mitch Gerrans saw the Hawks hold the advantage 2.5 (17) to 0.0 (0) at quarter time.

Despite the lacklustre start by the Bulls, they came raging back into the contest during the second term.

Although the Bulls managed a number of behinds to start with, Michael Bennell broke through for the Bulls with his first goal of the day.

A brilliant interception from Braden Fimmano helped keep up the one-way traffic towards Harvey’s scoring end but kicking accuracy soon hit a snag with a few more behinds hitting the scoreboard.

Harvey Bulls' Michael Bennell celebrates his fourth goal of the match.
Camera IconHarvey Bulls' Michael Bennell celebrates his fourth goal of the match. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times

While the Hawks were ultimately kept scoreless for the term, Harvey managed to take a five-point lead by half time with goals via Brad Holmes and Michael Bennell, despite Bennell’s goal being met with some controversy among the Hawks faithful.

Not looking to back down from the fight, Augusta-Margaret River were quick to take back the lead with early goals from Harry Taylor and Beau Morgan.

In the midst of the high-pressure contest, Michael Bennell’s third goal of the day was soon marred by a shove to Augusta-Margaret River’s Kyle Anderson.

As tensions bubbled, both teams soon began matching each other goal for goal and putting the pressure on across the midfield and defensive lines.

However, the Hawks held on to lead 6.8 (44) to 5.4 (34) at the final change.

Augusta-Margaret River's Harry and Ben Taylor embrace after Harry booted a goal.
Camera IconAugusta-Margaret River's Harry and Ben Taylor embrace after Harry booted a goal. Credit: Carly Laden/South Western Times

The final quarter saw plenty of one-way traffic favouring the Hawks, quickly driving the ball forward with a goal from Matthew Bannister extending their lead.

Despite Harvey’s best efforts in putting the pressure on, it soon became the Harry Taylor show, with two successive goals helping the Hawks take control of the contest.

While Holmes managed a second goal, it was too little too late with two goals from Gerrans sealing the win for the Hawks 11.11 (77) to 6.4 (40).

With a bye on the horizon, the Bulls will be forced to try to secure wins over Carey Park and Busselton to ensure a spot in the finals.

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