MAGPIES League had a convincing win over the Carey Park Panthers in round 5 of the South West Netball Football League. The Reserves and 18’s had a bye.
It was a fairly even start with some accurate shooting and tight defence from both teams but it was the Magpies that managed a 12-10 score line going into the first break.
The Magpies with a relatively new line up were still working out their court mechanics and the defensive midcourt pressure from Carey Park was making it difficult for the Magpies to transition into attack.
Goalies Matilda Cann and newcomer Maia Bratton combined to put away 13 shots.
But it was the defensive turnovers from Belle Hancock at wing defence and then Harmony Sutherland and Claire Jennings in the circle that created the opportunities for the Magpies, which allowed them to assert their dominance in the second quarter 13-5.
A few changes were made at half-time giving Rennie Sansom a well deserved rest after her tireless efforts in centre with Ash Rittson moving into the position.
Ashton Embry came back on as wing attack and Brooke Gibson came on as GA and Bratton moved to shooter.
The Magpies stepped it up with an improved transition in the midcourt and with Gibson and Bratton creating space in the circle Embry and Rittson found their targets.
Defensively Hancock, Jennings and Sutherland took numerous intercepts with the Magpies taking the quarter 17-9.
In the last quarter the Carey Park defenders worked hard and any errant passes were quickly snatched up as the Carey Park keeper Cat Grochowski managed a fantastic intercept as she came way out of the circle.
The Magpies were outscored in the last quarter 10-11 but won the match 52-35.
This now puts them in second spot on the ladder with a much awaited clash with Bunbury coming up.
Best player award sponsored by Stellar and the Chief of Margaret River went to Belle Hancock and Maia Bratton.
Next round will be played at the South West Sports Centre in Bunbury on Saturday, May 20 with 18’s and Reserves playing at 2pm followed by League at 3.30pm.