Hawks bully Bulls

The Augusta Margaret River Hawks dominated play on the way to defeating the Harvey Bulls by 64 points on Saturday night at Harvey Recreation Ground in the South West Football League.

The Hawks were caught napping in the first five minutes where the Bulls kicked the first goal of the match however a strong back six kept Harvey goalless for the next two quarters.

The first half was a dour affair with the Bulls forcing turnovers in their back half by creating two spare men around the contest.

Margaret River Midfielder Matthew Jukes then broke the game open in the third quarter providing silver service to forwards Braiden Smith and Harry Taylor.

The Bulls finally broke a run of eleven unanswered goals at the 20 minute mark of the last quarter.

Harvey ruckman Matt Robinson was a handful for the Hawks in a classic display of tap ruck work and body work in marking contests.

But Robinson played a lone hand while Augusta Margaret River took control in the midfield with reigning Hayward medallist Mitch Lynn breaking free from a tag to kick two goals.

Margaret River Coach Matthew Jamieson said his team showed a strong resolve and deep want to win away.

“We were a little bit disappointed with how we started, our ball use was a bit sloppy but after we addressed a few things at half time we got a few things right with our running patterns and the result took care of itself,” he said.

“We base a lot of our brand off defensive pressure and I think that is becoming instinctive of the group now, they’re really hungry this year.”

Harvey Bulls Coach Craig Nicholls said his side would stick to their hard running game plan.

“We missed our targets and it always hurts you when you turn it over against a good side,” he said.

“Margaret River had some bigger bodies in the midfield which really ground us down.”

The Hawks will now look to recover and improve on the training track ahead of the Easter bye.

Round three will see second place Augusta Margaret River take on third place Harvey Brunswick Leschenault in a potential preview to a finals match up at Gloucester Park.

Bounce down for the league game is 2.20pm on Saturday April 27.

Final Score

Harvey Bulls 3.11 - 29

Augusta Margaret River 13.15 - 93

Harvey Bulls

Goals: J. Collard, D. Faulkner, S. Hayden

Best: J. Collard, M. Robinson, S. Hayden, M. Cherubino

Augusta Margaret River Football Club

Goals: B. Smith 4, H. Taylor 4, M. Lynn 2, T. McDonald, M. Payne, R. Cary

Best Players: B. Smith, M. Jukes, H. Taylor, M. Lynn,

Votes: 5 B Smith, 4 M Jukes, 3 H Taylor 2 M Robinson, 1 J Collard