Round 3
The Busselton Magpies under 18s started the game strongly against Harvey Bulls, with pressure down the whole court providing the Magpies with a strong 10-7 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Great defence and rebounding in the circle from Sundara Manners and Ash Farmer, as well as many strong intercepts from Hannah Taylor and Imogen Milner kept the Magpies in front at half-time.
The third quarter bought in a new defensive duo Tess Keane and Shukia Riley, who worked hard to pressure the ball down the defensive end.
Skillful leading from centre court players Phoebe Pethybridge and Jaymee Dahlenberg and smart passing were converted to goals by the unstoppable pair of Mia Pethybridge and Charlie Allen.
The Magpies continued to dig deep and held the lead the entire game, despite continued pressure from Bulls. The final score was 48-35.
Right from the first whistle, the Magpie reserves defence of Tammy Thornley and Yasmin Riley made the Bulls take multiple attempts to convert.
At the Busselton end, multiple penalty calls on Harvey made it increasingly difficult for the Magpies goalies Sophie Brandis and Charlie Allen to make the most of their fast running style of play.
The competition remained tight throughout the first half, with Olivia Haslam, Danielle Kitchen and Megan Bolton keeping the play smooth through the midcourt to go into the break two goals up.
Fresh speed from Ashleigh Farmer, Mia Pethybridge, Bella Kitchen and Sophie Moustaka helped the Magpies creep ahead over the third quarter to a seven-goal lead, but this was slowly eroded in the final quarter as hesitancy in the midcourt and goal feeding saw Bulls gain to within three shots.
Final score to the Magpies was 34-31.
In the League the Magpies made an exceptionally strong start over the South Bunbury Tigers with a quarter time lead of 12 goals setting them up for a win.
The long court connection and assertive midcourt attacking sustained the lead into half time.
Brooke Gibson shone at both ends of the court, providing relentless defence and effective attack.
As the cohesive defence unit forced the turnovers, the options down court enabled a strong finish to the game.
Harmony Sutherland was a standout taking flying intercepts and impressive defensive pressure and effort in the circle. The Magpies went on to convincingly win 41-18.
Sponsored by Stellar and the Chief the best player awards went to Harmony Sutherland – League, Yasmin Riley – Reserves and Ash Farmer – 18’s.
