THE Busselton Magpies jumped another hurdle on their way to a top-of-the-ladder finish and a week off at the beginning of finals when they won an arm-wrestle against Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault on Saturday night.
The Magpies experience and use of the ball in miserable conditions saw them sustain a number of attacks from the Lions to claim a 6.5.41 to 10.18.78 victory.
With Brunswick Oval resembling more of a mud-pit than a football field, both sides fought out a tough, grinding match.
But superior running ability and the on-ball trio of Daniel McGinlay, Adam Booth and Chris Kane helped Busselton to the victory.
Kane put in a four quarter performance, with his run and carry ability sparking an early surge and a dominant first quarter for the Magpies.
HBL kicked the first score of the quarter registering an early behind, but they did not affect the scoreboard for the remainder of the term.
Busselton managed to put on a 29-point buffer at the first break despite inaccurate kicking as they posted 4.6.30 for the quarter.
Kane and McGinlay both goaled early while Steve Cameron and Booth snagged late ones for the Magpies.
But the Lions evened the playing field in the second term as they gained the advantage of the wind.
Jack Quinn and Ty Armitage were working hard around the ground which allowed HBL to bag their first through Brad Strano.
But some damaging kicking and clean play from Booth paved the way for young Magpies forward Bailey Sanford to kick his first.
A tussle ensued until half time with Busselton retaining their five-goal advantage at the main break.
The Lions looked to get superstar full forward Ashley Thornton involved more in the second half and began with a deep kick going his way allowing him to bag a terrific mark and slot a goal.
But Busselton’s fitness shone again as they continued to out-run the Lions and get in the right positions.
Nathan Bradbury and Brent Snook were the beneficiaries in front of goal stretching the Magpies lead.
But a 50m penalty against the Magpies gifted David Newman a goal late to give his side a boost of confidence heading into the fourth term.
The game was quickly put out of reach for the Lions though with Sanford and Brent Hall kicking goals for the Magpies to start the fourth.
The Lions pegged two of their own but it did not stop Busselton from taking a comfortable victory.
Busselton will now return home to play Collie next week while HBL will tackle Carey Park.
