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Tigers back to their winning ways

Shane EarlSouth Western Times

South Bunbury have retained their spot in the top-five thanks to a comfortable 37-point win over Carey Park at Kelly Park on Sunday.

The return of Damon Bull boosted the Tigers to a 10.10 (70) to 5.3 (33) win over their arch-rivals.

South Bunbury began the game with real intent and they dominated early.

Tigers small forward Ryan Bennell opened the scoring with a brilliant snap after showing his evasive skills.

Heath Stewart replied quickly for the Panthers, before Jon Meadmore goaled from the square after Carey Park gave away a needless 50m penalty.

The fierce contest continue in the second term and the tackling pressure was strong from both sides.

Heath Stewart got over the back of the Tigers’ defence to kick his second, closing the margin and keeping the Panthers in the game.

The Tigers were wasteful in attack, missing a number of opportunities.

It took debutant Jonathan Dix (five goals) to kick a late 50m goal to open up a 12-point lead at the main break.

After half-time the Tigers began to get on top and the Panthers did not help help their own cause as they turned the ball over too often.

Tigers defender Josh Ryder was doing a good job at blanketing the dangerous Eli Hill.

Dix and Leigh Kohlmann started to be dangerous targets up forward and they each kicked two goals for the term, allowing the Tigers to take a 31 point lead at the final break.

Carey Park refused to lie down and Jordan Yarran kicked a nice goal early to give them hope.

South Bunbury steadied and Bull broke the lines as he had done all day, finding Dix who kicked his fourth.

Tigers coach Mark Docking said he was a relieved man after the match.

“It was good to turn things around today,” he said.

“The effort which I asked for was definitely there. We bought three players up from the reserves and they all contributed strongly, which was very pleasing."

Carey Park coach Richie Barnard had mixed feelings, crediting his team’s pressure and lamenting their turnovers.

Scoreboard

South Bunbury 2.4, 3.8, 7.9, 10.10 (70) def Carey Park, 1.1, 2.2, 3.2, 5.3 (33)

GOALS: South Bunbury - J. Dix 5, L. Kohlmann 2, R. Bennell, K. Cadman, J. Meadmore. Carey Park - H. Stewart 3, C. McMillan, J. Yarran.

BEST: South Bunbury - D. Bull, J. Dix, J. Ryder, K. Cadman, M. Giacci, K. Thomas. Carey Park - K. Miller, J. Wilson, J. Yarran, J. Thurston, J. Mulholland, H. Stewart.

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