CBH Group Country Colts 2023: SWFL make statement with opening round-robin win over reigning champs Peel

The SWFL colts team has thrown the 2023 CBH Group colts country football championship title race wide open, on the back of an upset win in their opening game over reigning champions Peel at Lane Group Stadium in Mandurah on Thursday. Punctuated by excellent ball use and controlled physicality, Brett Maguire’s side defeated the red-hot Cavaliers 7.3 (45) to 1.4 (10). Prior to the game, Maguire stressed the importance of momentum and to start strongly against the highly-fancied hosts. Last year, the SWFL lost its opening round-robin clash against the Northern Suns, which effectively ended their carnival before it began — due to the shortened nature of matches and importance of percentage. However with William Pedley routinely getting first use of the ball in the ruck, and with accuracy from Brian Hughes and Fraser Gilchrist in front of goal, the SWFL burst out to a 25-point lead by half-time and refused to compromise their control on the contest. Earlier in Pool A action, Peel thrashed Great Southern Storm 9.3 (57) to 1.3 (9), which gave them a handy percentage heading into their second round-robin clash. The SWFL will play their second match of the carnival later on Thursday afternoon against the Avon Football Association, who lost their opening match against the Great Northern Football League.