SWSA: Blackwood defeated by Hay Park as Rovers fare poorly in matches away from home ground

Blackwood United fared poorly during their SWSA Premier League match against visitors Hay Park United in Balingup on Sunday, and were defeated 8-0. The Bunbury team took a quick lead in the first half, booting consecutive goals while Blackwood did their best to defend and take possession. Although Blackwood had several opportunities to convert their possession into a goal, they were unable to do so and staggered behind. Hay Park lead 4-0 heading into half-time and continued to score when play resumed as Blackwood United staggered, looking for an opening to get a goal. By the final whistle, the margin had blown out to eight goals. In other matches, both of the Manjimup Rovers’ main teams came unstuck playing against hosting teams in the Capes. The women’s side lost by four goals when they played off against Margaret River, finding themselves unable to stop an onslaught on their defence. Margaret River players Jodi Barnett, Chloe Willsher and Ellie Clark all booted goals to put the home side in a comfortable lead by half-time, leading 4-0. The Rovers continued to be dominated by Margaret River in the second half, with the visitors only adding a goal to their score after a play from the opposition put the ball in their own goal. The women’s side lost the game 5-1. Up the road at Geographe, the Rovers men’s team lost to Geographe Bay 4-1. Geographe’s David Wright was awarded a penalty kick near the end of the first half, which was converted into a second goal for the home team before the break. After play resumed, Rovers picked up the pace with Tom Anstey successfully converting an opportunity at goal. But the home side continued to dominate the game, booting two additional goals from Jack Sweatman and Cameron Goldsmith to extend their lead. The Rovers men’s team will travel to Harvey this weekend, while the women’s team will host Margaret River for the first round of the South West Cup.