A spirited performance led to Busselton claiming the 2018 South West Netball Football League crown and back-to-back premierships simultaneously.
A capacity crowd packed Eaton Recreation Centre on Friday night, eager to see two heavyweights – Busselton and Bunbury – battle it out for the title.
The Magpies were an outside chance going into this year’s finals series, having finished the regular season in third place behind the Bulldogs and Carey Park.
Following their significant win over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault, the Magpies faced Carey Park in the preliminary final.
Bunbury had previously progressed to the decider with a 10-goal win over Carey Park in their semi-final.
Backed by the home court advantage, the Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead against Busselton.
Bunbury’s chances of victory appeared promising during the first five minutes, with the favourites racing out to a 5-1 lead.
Busselton responded by quickly catching up to the Bulldogs before taking the lead.
The visitors pressed Bunbury’s defence and landed several passes close to the ring, taking an 11 to 9 lead into the first change.
The Bulldogs needed quick goals in the second term, but were halted by Busselton Goal Keeper Riley Culnane and Wing Defence Harmony Sutherland.
The Souwest Jets pair pestered Bunbury’s attackers and continually funnelled the ball up the court.
Turnovers kept going Busselton’s way, leading to a litany of chances under the ring.
They moved out to a 20 to 13 lead as chances of a Bunbury comeback faded fast.
The Magpies’ motivation and accurate shooting ensured a 28 to 18 lead at half time.
Despite Bunbury Wing Attack Cassady Anderson and Wing Defence Sarah Leitch’s enthusiasm in the third, the Magpies continued their momentum.
Busselton refused to cave under pressure and maintained a 10-12 goal margin throughout the quarter.
Bulldogs’ Goal Keeper Amy Hammond brushed off nasty falls in her attempt to stop the Magpies during the fourth.
The dynamism of Busselton Goal Attack/Captain Maia Bratton and Goal Shooter Emma Borinelli pushed Busselton to a 53 to 38 win.
The depth of our club is really good and I think we play a really solid, honest brand of netball.
- Erin Culnane, Busselton coach
Culnane was awarded Most Valuable Player, while Bunbury Centre Rikki Hubber announced her retirement after 12 league seasons.
Magpies coach Erin Culnane said her side’s 17 goals to nine second term led to the result.
“We’re pretty happy with ourselves. After finishing third we weren’t sure we could make it through, but we had a lot of self-belief and determination,” she said.
“We just needed to get across the line and, for us, it was good to have that extra match practice going into this game because we knew Bunbury would not back down.
“The depth of our club is really good and I think we play a really solid, honest brand of netball.”
Busselton’s A-reserves defeated Bunbury 53 to 45, after the Magpies’ 15s and Under side scored a 22-goal win over Carey Park.
Blackwood’s 18s and Under squad took down Busselton, 62 to 49.
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