SWFL 2023: Undefeated Busselton hold off determined Dunsborough Sharks in first cross-town rivalry match

Busselton Magpies have remained one of three teams yet to drop a game after holding off a fiery Dunsborough Sharks by 27 points in their first cross-town rivalry match. As the new kids on the block, Dunsborough had a tough challenge ahead when they went up against Busselton in front of a bumper crowd at Sir Stewart Bovell Park during round 3 of the 2023 SWFL season on Sunday but were out to prove they would not back down easily. After several minutes of end to end football until Busselton’s Mitch Tenardi and Liam Creighton broke through from near-identical positions in the left forward pocket. As Dunsborough looked to find a way to respond, Busselton continued building on their lead, with Beau Chinnery and Creighton kicking truly. However, the tides soon turned as Dunsborough began taking possessions and managed two late goals of their own to trail 4.6 (30) to 2.1 (13) by quarter time. As the Sharks started building momentum under intense pressure from Busselton, the rivalry between the two sides soon came to a head with a number of players, including former West Coast Eagles utility Patrick McGinnity, getting heated in a brief melee. As both sides looked to compose themselves, Busselton started extending their lead once again with majors via Jaxon East and Chinnery, while Dunsborough looked to respond. While Nicolas Reid stepped up with two goals, Busselton held strong to lead 9.7 (61) to 5.5 (35) at half time. Following the main break, Busselton started putting their foot down and taking control of the contest, with Creighton, Tenardi and Chinnery continuing to add to their goal tallies. Just as it seemed as though Dunsborough were on their last legs, the Sharks fought back with goals from Jack Byrne and Chris White shaving the margin down from 46 points to 34 at the final change. The final quarter saw Dunsborough build on their efforts from the dying stages of the third quarter, quickly driving the ball forward to prove they would not be giving up on the contest. Two successive goals saw the Sharks start to circle the Magpies until Damian Lee and Chinnery kicked truly to extend their lead back out to 34 points. While the Sharks put up a valiant effort, Busselton prevailed 14.11 (95) to 10.8 (68) to remain undefeated.