Busselton Magpies just fall short of a win

Both sides went into the game with no wins on the board and the ramifications of a loss means it will be nearly impossible to reach the finals.

The weight of this game seemed evident from the first siren with a tight contest in the first quarter.

Busselton coach Steve Lester said it was obvious both sides were “hungry for a win”.

Harvey had two more scoring shots in the first term but were unable to capitalise.

The first quarter score was 3.2 (20) to 3.4 (22).

It was a similar story in the second quarter with Busselton and Harvey both kicking three goals.

The half time score was 6.5 (41) to 6.6 (42).

The tussle continued in the third quarter with neither teams being able to get a good lead on one another.

Both sides only kicked two goals each for the term.

The three quarter time score was 8.9 (57) to 8.10 ( 58).

It all came down to the last quarter and Lester said Harvey came out firing with three quick goals.

“They got a jump on us and we tried to peg them back but couldn’t get it done,” Lester said.

Busselton were also able to kick three goals but were unable to seal the deal.

The final score was 11.11 (77) to 12.11 (83).

Lester said it was an even and physical game.

His stand-outs for the match were Aiden Fraser with four goals, Ethan Bowman and Jason Fish in the midfield and Matt Welburn in the back.

Lester said many of the players have pulled up sore but no major injuries which was good after a tough match.

Busselton has a real chance to get a win on the board in round four when they play Augusta Margaret River in the Busselton Toyota Cup.

Lester said if they go into the game with same intent as round three they were in with a good chance of winning.

He hasn’t ruled finals out yet saying it is an even competition.

In the other league matches, South Bunbury won in a thrilling grand final re-match against Collie with a goal after the siren.

It didn’t finish without controversy though with umpires not hearing the siren straight away and South Bunbury nearly fined after their players ran onto the field to celebrate.

The victory has the premiers sitting at the top of the ladder with Harvey Brunswick Leschenault hot on their heels.

It was also a tight match between Donnybrook and Bunbury Bulldogs with Donnybrook taking the win by two points.

Harvey was able to win their first game of the season against Busselton at Sir Stewart Bovell Park.

HBL had a convincing win against Carey Park to keep their second spot on the ladder.