SWFL 2022: Reigning women’s premiers South Bunbury remain unbeaten after gritty win over Busselton on the road

It was a slog for three-quarters, but a strong final term has seen South Bunbury to their second win of the season — knocking off fellow premiership fancies Busselton on the road. The 6.3 (39) to 2.0 (12) win puts the Tigers behind only Bunbury on the ladder and in a strong position after two rounds, with their next assignment now three weeks away. As is so often the case when two of the stronger sides in the women’s competition meet, well-drilled defensive structures overpowered attacking flair and the game was a dour midfield contest. Busselton were scoreless in a miserable opening quarter for the hosts, which meant the Tigers still had not conceded a point in 2022 until the second quarter of round two. But it was the Tigers who couldn’t add to their score in the second, with a Katie-Jayne Grieve goal putting the Magpies back within a kick at the main break. But a two goal to one third term for the Tigers just about took the game away from their opponents, before another two in the final term sealed the deal. It was another dominant display from Nola Marino Medal fancy Charli Wicksteed, while captain Bethany Bond nailed another two majors in the win. The league’s new bye structure will mean the Tigers will not feature again until round five, when they meet the Harvey Bulls. Meanwhile, the Magpies face another stern test, travelling to Bunbury to face the Bulldogs, who knocked them off in last year’s preliminary final.