THE Busselton Magpies’ struggles continued on Sunday when they went down to Bunbury in wet conditions at Payne Park.
The Magpies found scoring a major issue yet again as they went goalless after the first break finishing with only three for the match as Bunbury claimed a 6.9.45 to 3.5.23 victory.
Busselton was off to a flyer in the wet booting the first three goals through Brent Hall, Jackson Arbon and Nathan Bradbury.
The Magpies, led by Daniel McGinlay, were winning the midfield battle entering the forward 50 with regularity.
Damien Lee was productive along with Jordan Eastwell and James Price giving Busselton a 17 point lead at the first break.
However everything came to a halt after the first change as Bunbury was able to gain momentum through efforts from Jesse Gribble, Brad Blake and Sam Miles gifting Marc Re two consecutive goals.
Trent Gribble quickly followed up again for the Bulldogs to give his side a three point lead at the main break.
Busselton evened the contest up in the third quarter but missed opportunities in front of goal proved costly, especially on a low scoring day.
Bunbury managed the only goal for the quarter with Re kicking his third for the match giving the Bulldogs a six point lead at the last interval.
The Magpies lost all steam in the last as the classy Bulldogs ran the game out well.
Aidan Parker had worked hard in the ruck all day while Jordan Adamson-Holmes produced a strong second half.
McGinlay and Lee continued to battle hard around the ground but support seemed to be at a minimal as Bunbury finished the game 22 point winners.
The Magpies will now look to next week’s clash against Eaton with optimism.
Eaton sits atop the table and looms as a huge test for the 2-3 Busselton outfit.
Photos by Ted May.
