The Busselton-Dunsborough Dungbeetles returned home full of confidence against top-of-the-table Margaret River on Saturday afternoon, but they did not get the result they were seeking against a rampant Gropers side.
The first minutes of the game saw the Dungbeetles heap pressure onto the Margaret River defence with several raids into their 22.
Pressure was not converted into points however, as the Groper forwards began to take control.
Ascendancy by the Margaret River forwards allowed their backs momentum gaining the advantage line on most occasions.
Margaret River breached the Dungbeetles defence in the 25th minute scoring in the corner to take a five – nil lead.
Margaret River continued to apply pressure on the Dungbeetles line, however, inspired defence kept the visitors to the five-point advantage at half-time.
The second half began in the worst possible circumstances for the Dungbeetles, with Margaret River regathering their own kick off and scoring underneath the posts.
Any easy conversion brought the score line 12-nil.
With limited possession the Dungbeetles needed to be resilient in defence, with attacking raids being piled on the men in blue and white.
A long injury delay allowed the fatigued players some respite, however the ensuing scrum saw the Gropers score with the follow up conversion.
Another try shortly after saw the Dungbeetles trail by 24 points.
A yellow card to Margaret River stalwart, Max Hedstrom, inspired the Dungbeetles to unleash on the Gropers’ line.
Ben Christmas made huge gains in the centres, however, Margaret River was resolute in defence.
Margaret River scored at the conclusion of the match to run away victors 31-0.
Dungbeetles coach Barnaby Mills will only have a short time to have his players ready for the return match against Margaret River on Saturday.
After a physical match, the Busselton-Dunsborough side will be counting the cost of injury in regards to their preparation.
