Hawks demolish reigning premiers

Augusta-Margaret River caused one of the upsets of the season when they belted reigning premiers South Bunbury by 84 points at Hands Oval on Sunday.

South Bunbury were never in the game, as the visitors consistently piled on the goals on their way to a 20.7 (127) to 6.7 (43) win.

The Hawks started well, with Beau Morgan kicking two quick goals before the Tigers had even scored.

The visitors’ midfield set the tone early, dominating clearances and creating a number of scoring opportunities.

South Bunbury fought hard to to gain some ascendency, but the margin was 16 points to the visitors at quarter time.

The young Hawks midfield upped the ante in the second term, with Ben Miller and Jacob Payne leading the way.

Their pace and ball movement shocked the reigning premiers, who were constantly second to the ball.

While South Bunbury kicked two goals in a row, the Hawks steadied late to take a 28-point lead to the main break.

It was expected that the Tigers would come out hard after half-time, but that simply did not eventuate.

The Hawks continued to run hard and when they did not have the ball, their pressure was too much for the home side.

On the rare occasions that the Tigers went forward, the likes of Lincoln Adams and Mitch Ellis were in their way, rebounding strongly.

The game was all but over at the last break with the Hawks up by 52 points.

The Hawks were then simply relentless in the final term.

Payne, Miller and Max Paterson cut the Tigers’ midfield apart.

This led to Beau Morgan (five goals) and Mitch Payne (four) feasting on the opportunities created up the ground.

Hawks coach Matt Jamieson said his team was focussed on getting a good start.

“We had season best numbers in all areas, and won both inside and outside,” he said.

“Every player contributed, we really showed our best today. To do this against the reigning premiers is very pleasing.”

South Bunbury coach Mark Docking said the Hawks were too quick for them.

“We were dominated in the midfield, and had very few who won their position,” he said.

Scoreboard

Aug-Marg River 5.0 9.3 14.4 20.7 (127) def South Bunbury 2.2 4.5 5.6 6.7 (43)

GOALS: Aug-Marg River - B. Morgan 5, M. Payne 4, M. Jukes, B. Miller, C. White 2, L. Adams, M. Gerrans, S. Grantis, M. Paterson, J. Payne. South Bunbury - G. Piggott 2, M. Hislop, R. Hutcheson, H. Krikke, L. Kohlmann.

BEST: Aug-Marg River - J. Payne, B. Miller, M. Paterson, L. Adams, B. Morgan, H. Morgan. South Bunbury - K. Hams, J. Wright, J. Ryder, R. Bennell, R. Hutcheson, A. Wasilew.