But Busselton fought back in the second term leaving a game evenly poised at main break with only one point difference. The game was played too much in the Busselton forward 50 after half-time.

Donnybrook lost drive after main playmaker Shane Cristaldi was injured.

The Dons were outscored as Busselton’s run and carry came to the fore. However, they were still in it at last change when Jeff Smith went into ruck with Brett Eades changing on the ball.

Donnybrook got a clean possession from the centre bounces, and Josh Buckley was the main instigator, taking it right up to Busselton as they ran out of legs.

The Dons remained resolute and their teamwork became more effective. They made a valiant attempt to outscore Busselton but the clock beat them even as they once again drove into the forward line.

It was a much better outcome for the Dons than their previous match. They were beaten by only 14 points rather than the previous big margin.