Tigers cause a boilover

SOUTH Bunbury caused the upset of the South West Football League season when they defeated Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault by seven points at Hands Oval on Sunday to win the Reserves Premiership.

The Lions went into the game with 39-straight wins, but the Tigers were not overawed and inflicted them their first defeat in two years with an 8.10 (58) to 6.10 (46) win.

The Tigers started quickly, with best on ground Kale Francis (three goals) booting the first goal within a minute of the opening siren.

From here it became a hard-fought contested affair, with neither team gaining any ascendancy.

The Lions were wasteful up forward and when Francis soccered a late goal, the Tigers had a nine-point lead at quarter time.

South Bunbury continued to take the game up to the Lions, with their physical approach putting a lot of pressure on the favourites.

The Lions had plenty of chances, but it took until late in the term for Matthew Bicknell to kick their first goal after 10-straight behinds.

Francis kicked his third goal in the last minute and was the most dangerous player on the field.

The Lions came out with real intent after the break with goals to Brayden Harris and Cameron Hill giving them the lead for the first time in the game.

South Bunbury had to fight hard to contain their opponents and regained the lead late in the quarter. Both teams threw everything in to their attack on the ball, but South Bunbury stood firm.

Dale Wilkinson, who had been well held, kicked a goal to increase the lead.

Bicknell then replied quickly, but Jonathon Dix kicked his second with five minutes to go, taking the lead back out to eight points.

The Lions pressed for victory, but the Tigers’ defence was resilient and got them over the line.