DONGARA OPEN ACCOUNT

By: Lois Thomas

Dongara 14-12 defeated Mingenew 11-11 at the Dongara Recreation Centre last Sunday opening their account for this season. In over cast conditions, with just a hint of drizzle, Dongara found themselves behind as Mingenew posted the first three goals with sound play from (Wesley) Swift, (Murray) Thomas and (Justin) Bagley. Dongara struggled to match Bagley's height and bulk up forward, until they found efficiency in the centre with (Bo) Patten, (Paul) Shearer working tirelessly combining with (Brad) Ralph marking and converting, Dongara kicking two of the three in the first quarter. Although Dongara found themselves behind by four goals at half time, with their confidence building came out for the premiership quarter, kept Mingenew to a solitary three-points while adding eight goals four points to their tally. The combination of Ralph and (Anthony) McShane in the forward sealed Mingenew's fate. Dongara's improvement each week will be a blessing for a side that has lacked consistency in previous years.