The top-of-the-table Magpies went into its league netball game against the winless South Bunbury expecting an easy win.
After the first quarter it was obvious the Magpies were going to have to work hard as they struggled with the opposition’s zone defence through the centre court.
Goalies Maia Bratton and Brooke Gibson shot accurately while the defence of Tammy Thornley and Claire Jennings worked hard against the physical South Bunbury goalies.
The South Bunbury defence was all over any passes that were less than perfect and the score reflected this with the 15-13 score line at quarter time.
A few changes were made at the break with Taneika Handley moving into centre and Rennie Sansom to wing attack.
This combination seemed to improve the flow of traffic but South Bunbury hung on with another close quarter to have the Magpies only five goals up, 29-24 at half time..
At the break youngster Mia Pethybridge move into goal shooter in her first game in league for the season.
Ash Ritson was moved to centre while Handley went into wing defence and Jennings moved back into defence with Harmony Sutherland.
The new defence took multiple intercepts and rebounds setting the Magpies up with plenty of opportunity.
They drove the ball into attack and worked it through the midcourt.
With improved passing into the goalies, Bratton and Pethybridge put away 16 shots to a mere six by the opposition and this set them up with a 15-goal lead going into the final term.
South Bunbury got a run on early, scoring four goals in a row before the Magpies managed to put some of their own away.
The Magpies were outscored 11-15 which was disappointing to see after all their hard work in the third quarter.
Consistency for four quarters is something they will need to work on with top of the table clashes coming up against the HBL Lions and Bunbury Bulldogs.
The final score was an 11-goal win, 56-45.
Reserves
It was physical and tough match for the Magpies reserves side as they took on South Bunbury on the weekend.
The Maggies had a stellar start, with strong defence from Tammy Thornley and Andrea King in the goal circle and Cahli Bowman in wing defence, giving them a comfortable lead of 10 goals at the first interchange.
South Bunbury lifted the intensity in the second term, reducing the margin to just four goals.
In the third quarter the Magpies fought back with great centre court flow between Sophie Moustaka, Meg Bolton and Bella Kitchen.
Chantelle Milner and Matilda Cann worked with amazing coordination and teamwork to work the ball well into attack.
This brought the score to 33-21 by three quarter time.
In the last quarter, Yasmin Riley worked hard to take multiple skillful intercepts, as well as Ash Farmer who kept the defensive pressure up throughout the game.
The final score was a win in for the Magpies, 42-32.
Under 18
In the under 18 match it was a close contest between the two sides.
Mia Pethybridge and Sophie Brandis combined beautifully in the goal circle while down the other end of the court Sunny Manners worked consistently in defence.
In the last quarter Phoebe Pethybridge stepped up and provided plenty of drive while Imogen Milner ran hard all game to help the Magpies to a deserved win, 38-34.
*****
Sponsored by Stellar and the Chief, in Margaret River, the best player awards went to Maia Bratton - league; Matilda Cann – reserves; and Sunny Manners – under 18.
The Magpies are in top four positions for all three teams with league on top of the ladder, reserves second and under 18 in fourth, but only missing second on percentage.
The next home game is against the Ravens at the Geographe Leisure Centre on Sunday, May 27 at 2pm.
It will be a great game showcasing some of our young talented players in under 18 while reserves and open have byes.