SWNFL 2023: HBL Lions hold off Eaton by three goals in nail-biter to remain undefeated

In a thrilling top-of-the-table clash, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault have remained undefeated and broke Eaton’s unbeaten streak in the process by just three goals.

The Lions and Eaton went head to head with their respective undefeated streaks on the line during their round six match-up at the Leschenault Leisure Centre on Saturday.

The Lions were off to a flyer with quick goals by Katie Martin, confident feeds by Jasmine Barrett and strong interceptions by Amber Byrne in defence.

However, the match soon became evenly matched as Eaton pushed back with Courtney Collard putting the pressure on in the mid-court and Jessica Knight making several shots on goal.

The Lions held on to lead 11-8 at quarter-time.

The even contest continued into the second quarter, with Byrne and Alicia Colik both putting on strong defensive performances for their respective teams.

As Kasey Joy completed several defensive rebounds, Eaton capitalised to bring the scores level.

While an impressive pass on the move by Khea Borkowski paid dividends for the Lions with Martin making the goal to get back in front, Eaton quickly responded to trail by a single goal at half-time.

Quickly building momentum following the main break, Eaton again levelled the scores, with Knight capitalising off a strong deflection by Collard.

In the midst of the high-pressure contest, Eaton took the lead for the first time and began pulling away, only for the Lions to fight back in what became a back and forth contest.

An interception by Jessica Repacholi earned the lead back for the Lions by three-quarter time, setting up an intense showdown for the final term.

As excitement built around the Leschenault Leisure Centre, both sides matched each other goal for goal early in the final term.

Despite Colik making a number of impressive defensive rebounds, the Lions remained composed and started pulling away.

The contest came down to the wire as Eaton dug deep to fight back, but the Lions held on to claim the win 48-45.

Meanwhile, Carey Park held off a determined Donnybrook Blackwood outfit to secure their second win of the season, leading from the outset to win 54-40 at Donnybrook Recreation Centre on Sunday.

While the Panthers were quick to build up a lead, the Ravens certainly did not make it easy for them, with a number of strong interceptions and fantastic one-on-one contests at either end of the court.

Elsewhere, Busselton were back to their dominant ways, defeating South Bunbury 70-45 at the South West Sports Centre.