Round 2 of Tyrepower Manjimup League action has seen a stirring come from behind win from the reigning Premiers on Saturday, and a statement win from Bridgetown in the Sunday game.
Imperials shot out of the blocks against Boyup Brook in their first game of the season, and held a 26 point lead at quarter time.
The second quarter tightened up as Boyup Brook worked their way into the game, but Imperials held them at bay with a 5 goal apiece quarter seeing the Magpies go to half time with a 25 point lead. The likes of Captain, Tyler Ipsen, Scott Price and Scott Gizzarelli were all hitting the scoreboard on their way to ending the game with two apiece, while Tom Danks was outstanding in his first game in black and white. Zachary Hall was also prominent, while for the Roos, David Cowan was operating at his usual high standard.
The scoreboard started turning against Imperials in the third quarter, as Boyup Brook started to get their game going and in the process, limit the Magpies’ scoring options. In a tough quarter of football, Boyup Brook kicked 2.5, while holding Imperials to 1.1. With a 15 point lead still in tact, Imperials turned for home still confident of a win in their first outing of the season, and their first appearance since the Roos ended their 2024 season at the same ground in the Preliminary Final.
The final quarter saw the growing threat of Ashley Wallam become all too real for Imperials in his return to the Lower South West, as he hit the scoreboard with increasing regularity. Wallam ended the game with 6 to his name, while Mitchell Kings’ output also increased as the game wore on. Luke Reilly and Ben Thompson were also prominent as the Roos kicked 4 goals in the last quarter to roll over the top of the Magpies, the final margin of 11 points unfortunately reminiscent for the Magpies faithful, to the 12 point margin of last September. Still plenty to look forward to for Imperials, with Danks and another new recruit, Price, showing they’ll be a force this year as their new faces settle into the line up.
The final score at Manjimup Recreation Ground saw Boyup Brook home 11.13.79 to Imperials’ 10.8.68.
A familiar sight as Josh Power led from the front in the Bulldogs win over Deanmill, this time driving them out of defence.
In the Sunday game, after a first quarter avalanche themselves last week against Boyup Brook, this time it was Deanmill on the back foot at the first change. Bridgetown piled on 5 goals as their new look forward line was proving a real handful. Matthew Tilbee was providing a strong set of hands around the ground, while the likes of William Masters and Brett Wilson were busy. Josh Power was outstanding the in the middle for the Bulldogs, while Brock Tempra’s opening was keeping Deanmill in the game early.
The game changed complexion in the second quarter as the light mist that had fallen for much of the afternoon became heavier and Deanmill led the scoring with a 2 goal to 1 quarter. Tempra was again outstanding as Archie Hall gave his midfielders first service on multiple occasions.
With a 21 point deficit at half time, Deanmill would have been encouraged by their improved second quarter, and with some of the momentum swings already seen in the first two weekends of football, Hawks fans would have been hopeful.
Missing their Captain, Brent Nicol from their fine win over Boyup Brook, along with the likes of the experienced Joshua Reeve, Riley Mason and Lester Decker, the Hawks appeared to have steadied the ship and found their groove with so man stalwarts of the side not present.
The Hawks needed to peg back the half time deficit if they were to give themselves a chance in the last quarter, but instead it was Bridgetown who pulled away and put some space between them on the scoreboard. Power was outstanding once again, while Tilbee was starting to look more and more dangerous. Fellow new recruit, Kalani Brooks, also worked himself into the game and was constantly helping link the midfield into the forward, allowing Tilbee to move closer to goal.
Wilson was also finding space as the Bridgetown forwards were happy to mix up who the main target was and had Deanmill’s defence working hard. Tempra kicked an outstanding goal from the pocket to keep Deanmill’s hopes alive, while an outstanding defensive effort from Bodie Reeve on the outer side wing set up a goal.
Down 30 points at the last change, the one thing Deanmill couldn’t afford hit them in the last quarter with injuries to experienced players. Ben Giannatti appeared less than 100% but bravely continued in the midfield, while Blake East went down with what look like cramp. DeCampo got stuck under a high ball and wore contact to the ribs and also left the ground.
Bridgetown for their part, were outstanding. Matt Wheatley led the way, while Tilbee (6 goals), Wilson (4), Masters (3) and Brooks were working superbly together in the front half of the ground and Power just kept getting the footy. A 7 goal quarter put the icing on the cake for the Bulldogs and saw them run out winners, 17.13.115 to Deanmill 6.9.45. For their part, Deanmill were well served by Jared Edgar, who looked lively up forward, while Jordan Strahan got his hands to a few and ended with 3 goals and Jaxon Cahill showed his class.
With all clubs having played in the opening two weeks of the season, we now take a breath as Easter comes around, before returning with an historic ANZAC Day clash under lights between Tigers and Imperials kicks off Round 3. Two absolutely mouth watering clashes then await on Saturday, with Bridgetown testing their early season form against 2024 Grand Finalists, Kojonup, while Deanmill welcome Southerners.
For all the latest scores, goal kickers and best players – the Lower South West Football League has it’s home on PlayHQ HERE.
