The South West Netball Football League welcomed a new division this year with the addition of the 15 and under division.
For its first game of the season, the Busselton Magpies team played against the Bunbury Bulldogs consisting of Ruby Fullarton, Ella Griffin, Perri Hathaway, Indianna Hinds, Arielle Hockey, Nikira Brock, Nikki Smith, Jessica Shwier, Jenna Begley, Isabel Legros, Kaitlyn Taylor and Ruby Simonetti.
Overall it was a fast paced game with the Magpies displaying great defensive pressure, accurate shooting and efficiency through the centre with valuable intercepting.
The first quarter was a shoot out with Magpies edging ahead to post a first quarter lead of 16-12.
Coach Rae Hathaway swapped five girls at quarter-time and Magpies added 19 goals resulting in a comfortable lead, 35-17. Further team changes after each quarter ensured the team remained fresh.
At three-quarter time the score was 45-22. The Magpies proved too strong, resulting in a great win for their first game with the final score 65- 29.
The 18s Magpies had a point to prove against Bunbury after a gut wrenching defeat when the teams last met.
The young Magpies’ skills were impressive right from the first whistle. Strong centre pass options from the attacking players of Jaymee Dahlenburg combined with Mia and Phoebe Pethybridge, allowed impressive feeds into shooter Sunny Manners.
The Magpies went to an early lead to nearly double the opponents score in the first quarter 15-8.
A strong defensive effort by Charlie Allen, Tenielle Smith and Chantelle Sutherland, held Bunbury to only five goals in the second term. The third quarter saw the magpies stretch their lead by five more goals.
Going into the final term, Bunbury came out firing with strong defensive pressure, making it harder for the Magpies to make any gain on their 20-point lead. Despite this, the Magpies fought on to take the game out 49-39 and take second spot on the ladder.
A character building Saturday for the Magpies Reserves against a Bulldogs side stocked with experience after a tight drawn match last round.
Bulldogs took control 16-8 and the theme continued for a 60-33 final result, despite a concerted Magpies effort to connect in attack through Bulldogs' court press and solid circle defence. Player of the day was Shukia Riley.
Busselton Magpies convincingly won every quarter of their match against the Bunbury Bulldogs, but a clerical oversight on the scorecard led to their forfeiting the premiership points.
Busselton pounded out a 10-goal lead in the first quarter with strong long court connections and excellent timing.
Mia Pethybridge brought exciting speed in wing attack, combined with Harmony Sutherland, they dominated the mid-court.
Despite consistent effort from Bunbury wing defence Leah Pitts, the Busselton forward line could not be contained with Brooke Gibson and Maia Bratten finding ample room in the attacking circle.
Tam Thornley relished her opportunity at WD and did some hard yards shutting down the experienced Neva Neilsen. While Riley Culnane and Emma Borinelli were a formidable combination in defence.
The half-time score saw Busselton leading comfortably 35-18. Bunbury sparked an occasional comeback, but every time they forged Busselton smothered their flame.
Claire Garnault came on to WD strongly from the bench in the second half and provided plenty of turn overs, which flew down into the hands of Charlie Allen who enjoyed some well timed high ball under the post.
With Busselton cementing this win by 27 goals it was a disappointment for the players to have the result reversed due to a clerical error.
