LSWFL: Bridgetown bulldoze their way to grand final after defeating Kojonup in preliminary final by 21 points

Bridgetown Bulldogs secured a spot in the Lower South West Football League grand final after defeating Kojonup Cougars at the weekend. The minor premiers started hard and fast, setting the pace early for what was to be a fierce game of football on neutral territory at Manjimup Recreation Ground. Bridgetown ran out 13.17 (95) to 11.8 (74) winners. The Cougars responded well to the fast pace and, while they did not manage as many inside 50s as the Bulldogs, made the most of their forward 50 entries. Bridgetown went into quarter-time with a nine-point lead. Both teams tightened defensively in the second quarter, forcing the other to exert extensive amounts of energy to find a way through the midfield. Despite some missed goal opportunities, the Bulldogs broke through Kojonup’s midfield towards the end of the second, keeping their lead going into half-time, 5.12 (42) to 3.4 (22). Bridgetown dominated the first half of the third quarter, securing three goals within the first 10 minutes to extend their lead to 39 points. But the Cougars did not go down without a fight. Kyle Smith (three goals) scored Kojonup’s first goal of the quarter almost 15 minutes in and another shortly after which put life back into the side. Another goal had the Cougars out for blood before Bridgetown scored an answering goal. The play slowed slightly in the last five minutes and Kojonup scored another two goals to finish the quarter, bringing the margin back down to 25 points. Kojonup continued to fight back in the last quarter, but despite winning the quarter could not bring down the margin with the final margin 21 points. Despite the defeat, Kojonup’s finals dreams are not over. The Cougars will take on Imperials at Deanmill Football Club on September 3 in a preliminary final.