Boomers glimpse hope in teams’ development

Though his side sits at 3-3 and a massive clash against Augusta-Margaret River awaits at Glen Huon Reserve on Saturday, Eaton Boomers coach Darren Rigby is content to focus on something equally important. “Obviously we would like to play finals — that would be a bonus for us I think,” he said. “But continued development is what I am really looking for. And in my view, we certainly have been thereabouts. “Had we pinched that one against HBL, we would be in a fairly good position. “But we have had two games where we have not really put it together, which was against Bunbury and Busselton, who are the two top teams. “We are not that far away. I thought on the weekend we were good and it was certainly the best game we have played all year — from a team development point of view.” And it is not just at league level where results are improving, according to the Boomers boss. “It was also evident in the reserves,” he said. “They sort of turned the corner as well on the same day, which was good.” Augusta-Margaret River coach Matt Jamieson feels his side, also at 3-3, has moved on from Saturday’s disappointing showing against Carey Park, as they are well aware the margin for error now is minimal, if at all. “We understand the expectation this week or otherwise you will be scraping to get into the finals,” he said. At the Harvey Recreation Ground, Harvey Bulls will aim to extend Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault’s losing streak, as both sides compete for the Harvey Fresh and Brunswick Bottlemart Cups. Lions coach John Baggetta was less than amused with his side’s effort against Busselton last week, but moving forward, he believes things will change. “I could blindfold them and tie their ankles together,” he said. “And I would still get a lot better of a performance. Because they could not possibly do that again.” On Sunday at VC Mitchell Park, Donnybrook will do battle against South Bunbury for the Dr Manea Cup, with four priceless premiership points on offer for Julian Burgess’ men as they aim to escape the mid-table logjam. Kelly Park hosts the IPS Indigenous Recognition Game between the Panthers and Collie Eagles, which aside from the occasion itself, could have important finals ramifications for both clubs. In the remaining game of the round, in-form Busselton host Bunbury at Bovell Park.