The Busselton Magpies hosted the Carey Park Panthers at the Geographe Leisure Centre on Saturday.
In the 16s team the starting seven hit the court running, with Tasmin Falconer showing great intensity through the centre court. Kalani Bate-Henry exhibited quick hands and strong rebounding and when coupled with Dakota Nelmes' tight defence, the Magpies contained the Panthers attack.
Jordan Sapsford and Emma Jackson combined strongly with creative short passing and clever movement in the circle, resulting in the Magpies taking a 12-9 lead.
The second quarter was a different affair as the Magpies appeared to lose momentum, with several missed shots.
The Panthers responded with multiple unanswered goals and hit the lead before the Magpies steadied to regain the lead 23-22.
Coach Beth Stokes refocused the team during the break and made several changes, with Montana Ternadi and Ruby Simonetti taking over in defence, Sally Conroy into goals along with Felicity Watson coming on at centre.
The Panthers defended fiercely, resulting in several deflections and nullifying some of the Magpies' forays into the goal circle.
Elle Mullumby was impressive with the wing defender running hard all quarter. Jenna Begley delivered several beautifully weighted passes into the circle and the Magpies finished the quarter with a 35-30 lead.
The squad delivered a solid effort all over the court until the final siren as the Magpies ran out winners 45-38, resulting in a move on the ladder to an equal-first position with the formidable Blackwood Ravens, just missing out on the top spot by percentage.
The 18s Magpies first quarter was a fiercely tight contest until the Magpies were able to draw away to a three-goal lead.
The second quarter was a dominant display from the Magpies as they extended their lead to nine goals.
The Panthers fought back in the third quarter but steady shooting and calm play from the Magpies saw them maintain a 39-33 score line.
The fourth quarter opened with a comeback from Carey Park as they stormed to a one-goal lead.
The Magpies refocused and fought with increased intensity to win the nail-biting match 49-47.
This win sees the Magpies in a three-way tie for the top position as they sit third on percentage.
The League Magpies were up against the top of the ladder Panthers who were undefeated to date.
Georgia O'Neill WA and veteran Maia Bratton GA were strong and creative early, setting up the Magpies lead by creating angles past imposing Panthers' defender Renae Cashell.
Mia Pethybridge in the centre took some thriller aerial intercepts to spur on her side as the Magpies raced to a 14-9 lead.
Magpies Defenders Nina Simonetti and Tammy Thornley turned on the footwork in defence to counter the height of Panthers Sophie Bell and shooter Kennedy Tupea.
The Magpies full defensive and downcourt pressure from WD Ash Ritson and Meg Bolton forced uncharacteristic errors from the Panthers feed as Magpies goalies Bratton and Sunny Manners converted the turnovers into goals for a 24-18 half-time lead.
Big changes for both teams at the main break with Shukia Riley stepping into GK and Matilda Cann into GA while Bratton moved to shooter on the tall Panther Cat Grochowski and Meg Bolton moved to WD.
Magpies 'General Ritson' took charge as the Magpies Centre, boosting O'Neill for another tireless term at WA.
The Panthers found form in the third moving fast ball into the attacking third.
Nina Simonetti in GD stuck hard in one on one defence to counter the run of Bell.
The Magpies further extended their lead 39-30.
The Panthers remained unchanged for the final term.
Magpies Yas Riley came on to inject some variety while player/coach Bratton came off challenging the young Magpies to remain steady and work their way to the win.
Panthers upped the physical contest to win front ball and force errors bringing the game to a tie at 46 all with only a few minutes remaining.
Yas Riley responded to the hot contest, winning high ball with a contender for Mark of the Year in any other sport.
Cann's turn of speed and accuracy in goals was outstanding, sinking three critical long shots.
General Ritson's experience and voice steadied the final minutes with possession netball for a 48-46 win.
A high standard of netball was displayed from both teams with the daring young Magpies showing some peck to prevail by two against the height and intensity of Carey Park.
The Magpies are finding their feet and ruffling some feathers having now beaten League leaders Carey Park and Bunbury.
This moves the Magpies into fourth position
The Magpies travel to play the Harvey Bulls next weekend with the 18s and Masters playing at 10.30am and League at 12pm. The 16s have a bye.