Round 4
THE Busselton Magpies 18’s team made an extremely strong start to the game against the Margaret River Hawks with strong attack and defence all the way down the court.
Phoebe Pethybridge and Ash Farmer did some impressive passes into the circle, where the efficient shooters Charlie Allen and Mia Pethybridge scored 12 goals to give the Magpies a three-goal lead at quarter-time.
Sundara Manners’ outstanding defence in the circle and Hannah Taylor's consistent pressure in the second quarter kept Magpies in front.
Followed by Tessa Keane's amazing intercepts and pressure.
This quarter increased their lead to 35-19.
In the third quarter Imogen Milner took some quick intercepts which were closely backed up by Jaymee Dahlenberg.
Their lead was reduced to 12 goals but the girls were determined to keep the play strong and pressure all the way down the court.
Fourth quarter came around and Shukia Riley’s hard pressure in the circle shut down the Hawks shooters and made it extremely hard for them to work the ball around the circle.
The final score was 66 to 49.
In the next game the Magpies were up against tough opposition in the Hawks who have a strong reserves team with no league side in the competition.
The Magpies made a shaky start and found themselves three goals down at quarter-time.
The next quarter was an even contest with Tammy Thornley working tirelessly in defence.
Up the other end of the court once the goalies received the ball they converted their shots with Matilda Cann shooting with impressive accuracy.
At the half-time break the Magpies were only three goals down.
The youngsters from 18’s, Charlie Allen and Mia Pethybridge, moved into goals and created options but the centre court players struggled at times with their feeding into the goalies.
Despite the rebounding and defensive turnovers the Magpies struggled with transitioning out of defence and errant passing proved costly.
The final score was 35-49.
There were some promising signs throughout the game, with all 12 players taking to the court and the Magpies will work on this at training.
Sponsored by Stellar and the Chief Player of the day in 18’s and also in Reserves went to Charlie Allen.
While Tammy Thornley also received a special mention from coach Tash O'Neill for her tireless work in defence and the mentoring of the younger players.
