THE Eagles went a long way to consolidate their position in the top three of the competition with a hard fought win over the Bunbury side last weekend.

This game was played in the first winter weather experienced by the players of both sides for the season and was a hard slog all day as either side took a backward step in the contests.

Coming into the Eagles’ line-up were former Claremont player Matt Clarke, first gamer Aiden Pianta, Marcus Jackson and Jamie Rayner.

Missing from the side were Hamish Cooper (returned to North Fremantle), Rob Goad, Luke Motion and Joel Thomas (a late withdrawal).

As expected, Tim Sloan picked up the Bulldogs’ play-maker Jesse Gribble while Corey Slater went to sharp shooter Alan Wilson and Matt Blackford picked up lively forward Mat Power.

Seth White was on the board early, but the first term was the Kane Bebbington show as he put on a clinic of how to play wet weather football.

With support from key forward Alex Tweedie, Adam Bignell, Mat Clark and Kris Ingham the Eagles went to the first break leading 2.2 (14) to 2.1 (13) after a late goal to Jamie Rayner.

The second term saw the Bunbury side out score the Eagles with accurate kicking at goal by adding three goals to two.

Jarrod Martin, Teke Vernon, Tim Sloan and Brendan Earl came into the game as ground conditions deteriorated and the game bogged down.

Martin’s two goals for the term kept the Eagles in the game at the long break. The visitors led 5.1 (31) to 4.6 (30) with Alan Wilson looking dangerous with fast leading and marking strongly.

The third term developed into a battle of attrition as both sides threw every thing at the game with Brad White scoring the only major for the second half of the game.

Kane Bebbington continued his dominant display with support from Shane Earl and Trevor Scott.

The Eagles’ defence, led by Mick Roney, kept the opposition scoreless as both defences bottled play up for long periods.

The home side went to the last change leading 5.7 (37) to 5.1 (31).