THE Magpies had a depleted squad this week but rose to the challenge with versatility and team work.
Under 18s Magpies played on Saturday at the GLC and had a great win 74-18 against the Harvey Bulls who have just entered in this division.
Goal shooter Ruby Simonetti was given the opportunity to step up and play against the older girls and combined beautifully in the goal circle with Jaymee Dalenburg.
The centre court players led by Hannah Taylor ran through some flashy plays and the defence led by Teniele Smith shut down the Harvey players with their intercepts and pressure.
Overall it was an impressive team effort for the Magpies.
Magpies Reserves delivered smart mature netball in a tense second game, adjusting well to rotations and rising to every HBL Lions’ challenge to take the win.
Newcomer Claire Ganault and centre Meg Bolton found space and a varied feed into GA Beth Beckett and Steph Millen to win the first half 26-24.
Ash Farmer at wing defence forced countless errors and turnovers by HBL with her agility, allowing Magpies shooters to work through early season inaccuracy.
Third quarter became a tight race with opens midcourt Ash Ritson and defender Tammy Thornley coming on to rest workers and Phoebe Pethybridge running goalie to free up Steph Millen of sticky HBL defenders.
The Magpies were only one goal up going into the final quarter with HBL attempting several runs of goals.
The young sister duo of Shukia and Yasmin Riley in circle defence were the key to Busselton's win.
Shukia hassled the Lions run down court and front ball. Yasmin cut off high ball options and caused several held balls with hands pressure.
With seven minutes to go Magpies full court defence limited and continued to convert on a stubborn HBL. Providing more shooting opportunities to win by six goals: 48-42.
Centre Meg Bolton's solid skills in four quarters earned her player of the day, in what was an undeniable team effort.
The Magpies League team were undermanned and lacked class with several dynamic players out due to state commitments, injury and unavailability as did the HBL Lions also.
The Magpies raced to an early lead before they were reigned in by the Lions.
The Magpies dug deep and played a goal for goal game and were leading at the half-time break 20-18.
HBL made some timely changes and brought on fresh legs taking the lead by one goal with the Magpies 30-31 going into the final quarter.
Unfortunately, HBL’s pressure and defense efforts were too much for the Magpies going down 41-48.
