LWSFL 2022: Bridgetown remain alive in finals race after easy victory

Bridgetown’s hopes of tasting LSWFL premiership success remain alive after they easily accounted for Kojonup 17.12 (114) to 7.8 (50) in Sunday’s elimination final at the Manjimup Recreation Ground. Despite sitting in the top two for most of the season, the Bulldogs were overrun in the final month by Boyup Brook, who leapfrogged them to secure the highly-prized double chance. Being relegated to third meant there was no tomorrow for Bridgetown if they lost the elimination final — and they took this mantra seriously from the opening bounce against the Cougars. Keen for a fast start, the Bulldogs burst out to a 21-point lead by quarter time, with the Cougars instantly on the back foot. Although they were able to secure maintain possession at times, the Cougars were unable to turn this into substantial scoreboard pressure. Bridgetown turned on the style in the final quarter, booting eight goals. Jordan Jupp presented well up forward and booted six goals by game’s end, while Reece Ralston and Nicolas Taylor also played well. Focus now shifts to the qualifying final on Sunday, with Deanmill hosting Boyup Brook. The winner of this game will receive a direct ticket to the grand final, while the loser will square off against Bridgetown in the preliminary final. While the match is essentially a “free hit” for both clubs, given the double chance, the opportunity for a week’s rest at this time of year is definitely worth striving for. In the reserves elimination final, Imperials got the better of Bridgetown 7.5 (47) to 4.8 (32), while Deanmill will do battle with Southerners in the upcoming qualifying final. Things were far more clear-cut in the colts, with Imperials cruising to a 23.17 (155) to 3.3 (21) victory over Deanmill in the elimination final. Max Humble was the star for the Imps, booting seven goals.