Bunbury in final tune-up with big win

Bunbury claimed second spot and a showdown with South West Football-Netball League minor premiers Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault this Sunday, after defeating Busselton by 16 goals at the weekend.

The Bulldogs were sitting in second spot with one game to go and Busselton breathing down their neck for the double chance.

Both teams were missing their Souwest Jets players who were heading to Perth to play in their grand final, so a number of reserve players were brought in.

The Magpies started well in the first quarter with Emma Borinelli as well as young gun Mia Pethybridge in goals.

Busselton kept in touch until Bunbury got momentum and pulled away to be seven goals up at the first break.

The Magpies’ attacking centre court players Belle Hancock, Rennie Sansom and Claire Jennings worked hard to bring the ball through the court to their goalies but Bunbury's over the ball defensive pressure in the third quarter made it difficult and the Bulldogs were up by 17 going into the final quarter.

Bunbury went on to win 51-35 and earn the right to play the Lions in the semi-final this Sunday while Busselton will meet Eaton Boomers where the loser is finished for the season.

The Boomers met South Bunbury and made up for a one goal loss to Souths only two weeks ago with a 43-23 win. Eaton had a full team for the first time in weeks while South Bunbury were missing a couple key players.

Eaton started strongly with Myra Ugle shooting at 100 per cent in the first quarter while the defence line of Tia Wallace, Asha Bygraves and Jodie Testrow combined well and made it hard for the Souths’ attack line to penetrate through the court.

Eaton held a six-goal lead going into the second half and increased their lead going into the last quarter.

South Bunbury made a determined effort in the last quarter with coach Ludita McLean showing the way and Kerri Wallis strong in defence at the other end.