Tenacious Bulldogs triumph in one-point thriller with Boyup Brook

Bridgetown kept their undefeated streak going with a thrilling one-point victory over the Roos at Boyup Brook on Saturday. In the top-of-the-table clash the Bulldogs won 12.7 (79) to 11.12 (78) in near-perfect conditions. Both teams showed their midfield power and ability to win contests early which led to a high-scoring first term, but it was the Bulldogs who had edged ahead by five points by quarter-time. The second term was also neck-and-neck with red-hot pressure right across the ground. Bridgetown appeared to swing some momentum their way thanks to youngster Darcy Craven, who was everywhere and assisted in two goals. But the Roos were able to fire back through key forward Alex Tweedie and gain a five-point lead at half-time. The Bulldogs struck first after the major break after an intercept by defender Nathan Introvigne set up a quick rebound goal. Boyup Brook fought back and managed to keep the ball locked in their forward half for a good stretch but were only able to convert one goal for their effort. Although they were still down four points, Bridgetown forward David Johnston snuck in a late goal after the siren which seemed to energise the Dogs. The final quarter went back and forth straight away with Johnston and Tweedie exchanging goals. A stray kick-in by Boyup Brook was then intercepted by Bridgetown’s Lewis Richings who put the Dogs back in front by four points. The lead was quickly taken back by Tweedie after another strong lead-up mark. However, a quick surge from Bridgetown got the ball to Brendon White who was able to kick a dazzling on-the-run snap goal from the forward pocket to once again regain the lead. Boyup Brook were given another chance to win the game with a free kick right on their forward 50 line but a miss had them behind by two points. With what must have been less than a minute to play, the Roos found one last opportunity to score thanks to Benji Bleechmore who took a mark about 30m out directly in front of goal. But Bleechmore let the Bulldogs off with an errant kick and Bridgetown finished winners. Bridgetown midfielder Hugh Mitchell said there was no set plan for his team in the final quarter except to “slug it out”. “No real game plan, just go for it,” he said. “They’re a really good team so (it was) see who can run the longest and keep going, and we managed to get lucky with a couple of goals.” Mitchell said it was also confidence-boosting to get a win without any travelling players, who were unable to play this week due to COVID-19 restrictions. “We’ve copped it a bit, people keep saying we’ve got travelling players and all that but these are our locals,” he said. “We’ve beaten the second team on the ladder so it’s big for our season, it’s good for the confidence knowing we can do it.” Boyup Brook coach and player Rhien Lloyd also celebrated his 200th league game. Bridgetown host the Tigers on Saturday while Boyup Brook are at home to Kojonup on Sunday.