Busselton Magpies swoop on Bunbury Bulldogs in SWNFL action

They might not be the top team of the South West Netball Football League but the Busselton Magpies have proved they are still finals contenders after dispatching Bunbury Bulldogs 52-44. In the first weekend of the extended round 14 fixture, Busselton hosted Bunbury at Geographe Leisure Centre on Sunday where they were looking to bounce back from a hard 46-45 loss to Eaton Boomers just 24 hours prior. Ready to show dominance on the court, Busselton managed an early lead with the first three goals working in their favour despite a strong start by Bunbury. With teams eventually matching each other goal for goal, the contest became physical as players started putting their bodies on the line and weaving their way through traffic. However, Bunbury were left shaken after defender Hailey Burrows suffered an ankle injury as Busselton held strong to lead by one point at quarter time. The second quarter saw Busselton pulling off some early interceptions in a bid to build on their lead. Although Bunbury fought hard in defence and had some impressive shots on goal by Hannah Rogers, Busselton started pulling away with goals by Devin Cunninghame and Janelle Pagan. As Busselton began employing rapid driving down the court, Bunbury were struggling to reward their defensive efforts, Busselton extending the margin to eight points at half time. Following the main break, Bunbury were looking to make a comeback with a high-octane approach to their defence. While both teams matched each other goal for goal early on, Busselton maintained their eight-point advantage. Despite Bunbury’s strategy in maintaining fresh legs on the court with rotations and some impressive defence by Hannah Jacks and Sophie Price, Busselton kept control with rapid driving by Isobel Legros, Georgia O’neil and Taneika Handley. Although Bunbury managed some late goals, Busselton held on to lead 39-30 at the last change. Despite Bunbury’s best efforts throughout the final term, Busselton held strong to take the victory by eight points, handing the Bulldogs their first loss of the round after they held off Blackwood 49-46 on Saturday. Elsewhere, Eaton solidified their top position with a 60-37 win over Blackwood and Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault defeated Carey Park 60-43. Round 14 of the SWNFL season will continue tomorrow night with two further matches that had been rescheduled from round four with South Bunbury set to face Carey Park, while Bunbury will find themselves up against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault.