BUSSELTON Magpies Open team had a spirited encounter against Harvey Brunswick Leschenault Lions at the weekend and good old-fashioned netball was the winner on the day. A physical and competitive game ensued where both sides tried to prove their mettle in the lead up to the finals and from which the Magpies emerged triumphant.
The Lions played a strong first hand in attack with Myra Ugle and Renae Cashell sharing some long bomb glory at the post and looked set to chalk up a huge lead before the persistent and concerted effort from the Magpies defenders Riley Culnane and Tammy Thornley paid dividends. The first quarter margin was three goals in the Lions’ favour and was followed by an arm wrestle of a second term, leaving the Magpies with a four-goal deficit going into the main break.
Maia Bratten injected energy and excitement to herald a charged Magpies, sharing the circle smoothly with comeback queen Emma Borinelli in the second half. Their combined wisdom saw the Magpies outsmart the Lions’ defenders at every turn. The midcourt, through Rennie Sansom and Belle Hancock, dug in to tighten up their defense and this saw the Lions start to lose their way. The Magpies swooped to a two-goal lead at the final break. Claire Jennings and Ash Rittson brought fresh legs for the final term for the Magpies and helped force the Lions into some undisciplined play. The Magpies maintained their poker face running out the match to win 44 – 41, securing top rung of the ladder with two games to go before finals.
The Reserves team had a bye while the Magpies Under 18’s struggled to find their usual top form in their game against the Bridgetown Ravens as they attempted to adapt to restructuring due to player unavailability. The opposition’s defenders made it difficult for a smooth flow to the Magpies shooters, leading to the Magpies trailing by eight at the end of the first quarter. Circle defenders Sunny Manners and Tess Keane worked tirelessly in the face of some fast movement by the opposition. The second quarter also saw the Magpies out-scored despite hard work from Phoebe Pethybridge, Hannah Taylor and Jaymee Dahlenberg in mid-court.
The Magpies lifted in the third quarter and were able to out-score the opposition with Ash Farmer stepping back into centre court along with Shukia Riley and recent recruit Teniele Smith defending. Despite some on-point shooting from Mia Pethybridge and Imogen Milner in the final quarter, the Magpies were unable to sustain the momentum and the final score was 49 – 41. Best player: Mia Pethybridge.
All three teams play Carey Park Panthers at the Geographe Leisure Centre on August 19; 18’s and Reserves at 2pm and League at 3.30pm.