Bulldogs hold off Bulls

Bunbury claimed a second straight win by a kick or less when they defeated the Harvey Bulls by six points at Payne Park on Sunday.

After beating the Tigers by four points just six days earlier, the Bulldogs were able to hold on against a fast-finishing Bulls, who booted five-last term goals to win 11.10 (76) to 10.10 (70).

The inclement weather predicted played only a minor part in proceedings, with a shower late in the first quarter making the early stages of the second quarter scrappy because of the slippery ball.

Bunbury had the breeze in the first term and looked good early, with Matt Martin kicking two goals, while Dylan Heasman and Tyson Wood also hit the scoreboard.

The Bulls did their best to fight back in the second term, with Josh Krispyn and Eli Smith working hard in the midfield and Michael Robinson playing well in the ruck.

But a sensational team-goal from Mark Longbottom and another from sharpshooter Brett Peake kept the Bulldogs in front.

Bunbury looked to have the game won by the start of the final quarter, with the home side dominating the third term and leading by 31 points at the final break.

The Harvey Bulls did not give up though, as they bravely fought back.

Reece Blechynden stood up to kick two goals, while Jaxon Pitts and Brett Lofthouse kicked another, as the visitors rallied.

But time was not on their side and the Bulldogs managed to grab a six-point win in front of their faithful.

Bunbury will take on the Collie Eagles up the hill this weekend, while the Bulls will host the Eaton Boomers.

Scoreboard

Bunbury 4.6 6.6 10.7 11.10 (76) def Harvey Bulls 0.1 3.6 5.6 10.10 (70)

GOALS: Bunbury - D. Heasman, M. Martin 3, B. Peake 2, T. Wood, M. Longbottom, T. Gray. Harvey Bulls - B. Lofthouse, R. Blechynden 2, J. Krispyn, B. Jones, J. Egan, J. Pitts, J. Ietto, J. Pickett.

BEST: Bunbury - J. Gribble, B. Blake, T. Justins, M. Partridge, D. Heasman, J. Prowse. Harvey Bulls - J. Krispyn, E. Smith, M. Robinson, R. Loton, Z. Marino, R. Shemeld. .