Baldivis moved into the Peel Football and Netball League’s top three with a thrilling four-point win over an inaccurate South Mandurah at Falcon Oval on Sunday.
Coming just a week after an enthralling one-point victory over Waroona, the Brumbies were able to duplicate the feat and claim an 8.20 (68) to 11.6 (72) win on the road over the Falcons.
The game started in much the same fashion as its ending, with both sides locked in a tussle.
The Falcons looked to have the early edge with Luke Shepherd and John Bennell winning contests around the ground, but a 50m penalty allowed Baldivis’ Sam Barndon to cut their lead to just three at quarter time.
Baldivis’ Kyle Westwood and South Mandurah’s Tom Wood fought out the ruck battle of the year to give their midfielders first use, but it was Wood’s rovers taking advantage in the second as the Falcons distanced themselves with classy goals to Andrew Haydon and Brad Holmes.
Facing a 15-point deficit at half time, the Brumbies launched their assault with four goals to South Mandurah’s one in the third term to take a one-point lead into the final break.
The Falcons regained ascendancy in the fourth term, but rued their missed opportunities in front of the sticks kicking just one goal and four behinds for the quarter.
Their squandered forward entries allowed Baldivis to recapture the lead and cling to it in the dying stages to come away with the victory, making it two straight breathtaking wins over top-five opposition in the past fortnight.
Coach Craig Hamersley acknowledged South Mandurah’s inaccuracy, but praised his side for taking their opportunities in a finals-like atmosphere.
“Obviously if South Mandurah kick straight then we’re probably in trouble, so we have a bit to work on,” he said.
“But overall I was happy with how we responded after half time, and how we were able to take our chances after they left the door open.”
Daniel Kimberley nailed four goals for the Brumbies, while Holmes bagged his own quartet for the Falcons.
The win sees Baldivis leapfrog South Mandurah on the ladder, claiming third spot while the Falcons slip to fourth.
The Brumbies have lost just one of their last eight games.
Hamersley urged his side to keep their momentum going with just two rounds left outside the finals.
“With so many teams doing well, like Pinjarra, South Mandurah and Centrals, we’ve been able to fly under the radar a bit,” he said.
“But that won’t really matter when finals come around, so we just need to keep our momentum going in this next fortnight.”
The Brumbies will play Halls Head next week in the lead up to what looms as a massive game against Centrals in the final round.