The Busselton Magpies 16s team headed to Australind on Saturday, May 4 for their Round 5 clash with Mercy Leschenault Collie (MLC) at the Leschenault Leisure Centre.
MLC came out firing and caught the young Magpies off-guard by scoring two goals in quick succession.
The Magpies soon settled into the style of play that has seen them lose only one game this season.
Jordan Sapsford started to deliver with a display of accurate, long-range shooting that the young attacking player is becoming known for.
Sally Conroy was rebounding strongly in the goal circle and Jenna Begley was lending great defensive support across the centre whenever MLC tried to push into attack.
Although MLC also shot well from long range, the Magpies defence did a sterling job, with Montana Tenardi working hard.
The quarter-time scoreline of 12 - 6 in the Magpies' favour was reflective of their effective teamwork.
Coach Beth Stokes made some changes and the second quarter started with a flurry of Elle Mullumby led intercepts through the WD position.
Felicity Watson entered the game, giving Begley a well-earned rest from the running centre position.
Tasmin Falconer also added fresh legs in the Magpies attack.
Sapsford continued with some great leads and accurate shooting, while at the other end of the court Kalani Bate-Henry and Dakota Nelmes combined as a defensive unit that allowed only one MLC goal for the quarter, closing out the quarter with a half-time lead 24 - 7.
Emma Jackson came on into the GA position, giving Sapsford a well earned rest; and with the Magpies freshening up the centre court and continuing to deliver solid defence up and down the court the quarter ended with the Magpies stretching the lead to 35 - 12, despite there being a noticeable increase in MLC's defensive pressure.
Further changes were made at the final break.
Mullumby re-entered at WD and had an immediate impact, while Sapsford and Jackson continued to put their shots away off some accurate and creative passing from the Magpies centre court.
The scoreline of 44 -16 at the final whistle demonstrated the team's well-executed game play through all sections of the court.
All the Magpies teams now have a week off with their next clash an away game against Bunbury on May 19 at the South West Sports Centre.
Get courtside to see all the netball action with 18s at 10.30am and 16s and League at 12 noon.
For the League team it will be a grand final rematch, with the Bunbury Bulldogs set to return to the court.
The Bulldogs will be sure to seek redemption after their grand final loss last year to the Magpies, after they were dethroned as minor premiers.
