FOOTBALL: In a reversal of fortunes from last week, the Eaton Boomers were forced to rue missed opportunities in front of goal as the Bunbury Bulldogs claimed an eight point win in the first qualifying final on Sunday.
From the first bounce both teams threw themselves into the game with Bunbury captain Jesse Gribble kicking the first goal before Eaton scrambled a return goal out of the pack on their forward line.
A sloppy kick-in from Eaton’s defence after a rushed behind was stolen by Bulldog Sam Miles who converted before Aidan Parker hit the post with a tough shot from the pocket.
A goal to Ryan Sheehan had Bunbury well-and-truly on top before a stunning solo effort from Karl Collard where he grabbed the ball in the middle, turned, bounced three times and bombed home a much-needed goal.
Jake Ferrier kicked his first to keep Eaton in the hunt but an undisciplined moment of play gave a 50 metre penalty and a goal to Parker.
A goal to Kyle Watts after the siren saw Bunbury take a 32 – 19 point lead into quarter time.
The Eaton boys copped a spray from coach Richard Barnard for only laying five tackles in the quarter.
“They are under the pump when we move the ball quickly so start showing your skills,” he said.
Dropped marks hurt the Eaton boys early in the second quarter with goals to Parker and Marc Re piling on the pain.
When they finally did mark the ball, the Boomers failed to convert posting three behinds.
Bunbury’s Jacob Williams kicked a goal late in the quarter to see them leading 8.3.51 to 4.6.30 at half time.
Coming into the main break Sheehan had the ball on a string while Josh Bowe and Leigh Kelly were standing out for Eaton.
Ferrier got the third quarter under way with his second goal, a great snap around his body before Parker stunned the crowd – missing a simple goal from right in front of the big sticks.
Another run of behinds from Eaton’s forwards was made worse when Parker was awarded another free kick and a shot at goal.
He did not make the same mistake twice.
Collard hit the post before a smothered goal attempt from Jace Cormack landed in his lap and he was able to kick his second.
Ferrier thumping his third home from the 50 metre line was a sign of a momentum change but a second goal to Re helped to steady the ship.
Right on the siren of three quarter time Gino Catalano was awarded a free kick and converted to trim the margin to five points at the final change.
In the huddle Barnard urged his players to run and run and run some more and a third goal to Collard gave Eaton the lead for the first time all game.
Eaton found the free man too easily and Bunbury looked run off their feet, but a goal to Trent Gribble gave the Bulldogs back a slender lead.
Bunbury’s trainers carried Ashton Preedy off in obvious pain and he quickly had iced strapped to his groin.
Boomer Kieran Butcher missed a shot on goal with three minutes to play and it when Jesse Gribble speared a low pass to Marc Re the Bunbury fans and coaches were on their feet.
His goal had them cheering a sealed the result – Bunbury defeating Eaton 12.4.76 to 9.14.68.
Bunbury had the same amount of scoring shots as last week and will be a lot happier with 12.4 compared to 2.14.
This week they will shape up for a thrilling clash against South Bunbury with the winner earning a ticket straight to the grand final.
Eaton will have one more chance to progress in an elimination final against Busselton, who knocked out Carey Park in overtime.
