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Win dashes Southerners hopes, puts Bridgetown clear

Manjimup-Bridgetown Times
The pack, going for the ball.
Camera IconThe pack, going for the ball. Credit: Mick Hill.

Southerners went into their Lower South West Football League clash against Bridgetown with some optimism with a number of senior players returning.

However, despite being right in the game up to half-time, it was the Bulldogs who prevailed with a slogging second-half effort to claim a 33-point victory 13.9 (87) to Southerners 8.6 (54).

With their finals aspirations in serious jeopardy, the reigning premiers started the contest with some purpose, and by being direct on goal were able to compete against the Bulldogs in the ground clinches and on the scoreboard.

Darren Flockhart, Wes Hagan and Leigh Scaini were giving the Bulldogs’ defence a solid work out and were on the end of some clean passages to have the goals flowing.

The Bulldogs responded in wonderful fashion courtesy of Jack Bridgland and Jake Andersson, both hitting up Rod Jetta, and Jordan Jupp for some return fire.

Dale Mcrae of the Southerners looking to get away.
Camera IconDale Mcrae of the Southerners looking to get away. Credit: Pictures: Mick Hill, Mick Hill.

After a frenetic first term, both sides then settled into dour arm wrestle with the ball rebounding from the defensive zones without much scoring action.

Souths edged closer to the visitors as Russell Nidd, Matt Fox, Jesse Rudd and Dale Mcrae spearheaded the challenge to bring the margin back to five points at the main break.

Bridgetown's Danny Schreur and Southerners Jesse Rudd go for the mark.
Camera IconBridgetown's Danny Schreur and Southerners Jesse Rudd go for the mark. Credit: Mick Hill.

With the game in the balance the Bulldogs looked to their senior players for direction and in this regard Bridgland, Morgan Price and Danny Schreurs came to the fore to give forward impetus, allowing Daniel Humby and Jetta to strike important majors.

To complement the Bulldogs’ hold on the contest Callum Jupp was providing some effective play to hold out the Souths’ challenge.

Bridgetown's Rodney Jetta goes for the mark.
Camera IconBridgetown's Rodney Jetta goes for the mark. Credit: Mick Hill.

Despite pushing for a late rally, Souths could not gain any momentum, leaving the Bulldogs to take victory and importantly remain safe in the top four.

Bridgetown's Rodney Jetta fends off Southerner's Dean Collins.
Camera IconBridgetown's Rodney Jetta fends off Southerner's Dean Collins. Credit: Mick Hill.
Bridgetown's Shaughan Mead takes a mark.
Camera IconBridgetown's Shaughan Mead takes a mark. Credit: Mick Hill.
Jordan Jupp, of Bridgetown, had a great game in the wet conditions.
Camera IconJordan Jupp, of Bridgetown, had a great game in the wet conditions. Credit: Mick Hill.
Rodney Jetta was outstanding in the forward line for Bridgetown.
Camera IconRodney Jetta was outstanding in the forward line for Bridgetown. Credit: Mick Hill.

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