Mulies down Bombers to take trophy

The Dunsborough Mulies defeated the Busselton Bombers, 8.9 (57) to 6.5 (41), in a hard-fought Onshore Cup grand final on Saturday at Sir Stewart Bovell Park.

The Bombers started well, kicking the first goal as both sides threw everything at each other in typical grand final intensity.

But the Mulies fought back through a miraculous over-the-shoulder goal to Blake Wilson.

Neither side gave an inch in the first two quarters and were neck and neck going into the half-time break, with the Mulies holding a one goal advantage.

Dunsborough came out hard in the third quarter and established a five-goal lead when Dylan McKay kicked a characteristic hard-running goal from 50m. The Bombers weren’t done with though and started the last quarter with the wind and when midfielder John Blincow goalled, they were within two kicks with less than 10 minutes to go.

The Mulies found another gear winning multiple clearances and using the ball well through the midfield with centre Josh Bennett kicking the sealer four minutes out.

Dunsborough coach Luke Pearce said he was “really proud” of his team after a tough year with squad rotations.

“To the boys credit they settled when it mattered,” he said.

“We were aware of how well Kim Harper had intercepted against us through the year and moving Dylan Mckay onto him made him more accountable.

“I certainly thought the boys had done enough but there was a little bit of nervousness so we moved some guys around and when JB kicked the sealer we knew we were home.”

Mulies winger Ben Matthews-Herrald was best on ground for his defensive running and excellent distribution throughout the match.