A TALE OF TWO HALVES

The South West Rugby Union clash between the Dunsborough Dungbeetles and the Margaret River Gropers at Busseltons Lou Weston oval on Saturday was a game played in 2 distinct halves with the team with the wind at their back strongest. In the first half Margaret River pinned the Dungbeetles at the Thomas Street end and racked up 10 unanswered points by half time thanks to a penalty and a converted try. In the second half it was the home team in the ascendency with Dunsborough dotting down 3 times and being narrowly thwarted twice thanks to some desperate defence from the visitors.

In the first half the Gropers had all the territory and a flustered Dungbeetles failed to clear the ruck and gave away a simple penalty to sharpshooter Andre Schonfeldt. With 15 minutes gone the visitors again struck through some strong centres running to score near the posts and the skipper added the extras. Dunsborough rallied and picked up their defence to hold out the threatening Gropers until half time.

The wind increased during the interval and Dunsborough put it to good use gaining deep penetration straight away. Mitch Brierty crossed the advantage line and best back Michael Midgley dove over from the ensuing quick breakdown. The conversion sailed wide to leave the score 10-5. The Dunsborough forwards were getting some good ball after losing the breakdown in the first half and skipper Paul Birch rolled over the line after 10 minutes of the second period. The score was on the back of some solid mauling from best forward Dave McCarthy and strong hit ups from best player Dan Ghali. James Gandolpini added the extras to put Dunsborough up 12-10 with 20 minutes to go.

The game turned into a typical rugged defensive effort with Dunsborough using the wind to establish field position while the Gropers repulsed their advances. Finally the attrition took its toll and Gandolpini was able to take the game beyond doubt with a converted try 3 minutes from time leaving the final score 19-10 to the Dungbeetles. 

Best for Gropers were Jimmy Brown, Nigel Anderson and Mark Henjak.

This weekend sees Dunsborough collaborating with the Bunbury Bulls to field a squad at the Country Carnival in Katanning while Margaret River will form an alliance with Collie to boost numbers for this attritional carnival