SWNFL 2023: Augusta-Margaret River prevail in action-packed contest against South Bunbury

Augusta-Margaret River have bounced back from falling short against Busselton in a big way, recording their first win of the 2023 South West Netball Football League season in a fierce contest against South Bunbury.

The Hawks ventured to the South West Sports Centre on Saturday, where they went head to head against South Bunbury, who were playing their first match of the season after having a bye in the opening round last weekend.

From the outset, South Bunbury were looking to make interceptions early as Augusta-Margaret River made the first centre pass.

Although Zoe Bajaky managed an impressive interception early for South Bunbury, the Hawks held on to score the opening goal.

While the Hawks managed to start building up a lead, one-on-one contests across the court were very evenly matched.

As South Bunbury started to fight back and get some goals on the scoreboard, the Hawks found themselves using their extensive bench, particularly after an ankle injury resulted in Dominie Scott taken off the court.

However, the Hawks held strong to lead 13-8 at quartertime.

The Hawks managed another fast start early in the second quarter but South Bunbury’s Nyrobi Zuiderwyk made strong interceptions and put the pressure on to help South Bunbury try make a comeback.

Ella Dowsett managed several shots on goal for South Bunbury but Augusta-Margaret River pushed back with strong driving by Janet Smith, who also made good feeds into Jessie Whitehead.

The combination of Zuiderwyk and Bajaky helped give South Bunbury a fighting chance but the Hawks held on to lead 25-14 at halftime.

The intense contest continued into the second half as the Hawks looked to extend their lead even further while South Bunbury continued putting the pressure on.

While Annabel Angland was impressive in defence for the Hawks, Zuiderwyk continued putting on a show for South Bunbury, making impressive interceptions and defensive rebounds.

Despite South Bunbury really bringing the fight to the Hawks, Augusta-Margaret River held a 14-goal lead going into the final change.

South Bunbury made a fast start in the early stages of the final term but the Hawks continued extending their lead to try seal the win.

Augusta-Margaret River held strong to win 40-28.

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault held off a determined Carey Park outfit to win 44-33 in their return to competition at the Leschenault Leisure Centre, while Eaton managed a huge 67-28 win over Busselton in the grand final rematch on Sunday.

Dunsborough Sharks also made their official debut in the SWNFL in the masters, 18 & under and 16 & under competitions, hosting the Donnybrook Blackwood Ravens at the Naturaliste Community Centre.