SWNFL 2023: Dominant start helps Eaton on their way to 64-46 victory over reigning premiers Busselton

Eaton have continued to rule the roost over the competition after holding off a valiant Busselton outfit 63-46 in a grand final rematch. Eaton, who currently sit at the top of the South West Netball Football League table, hosted the reigning premiers at the South West Sports Centre on Sunday during the 13th round of the 2023 season. While Busselton were off to a fiery start thanks to early interceptions taken by Daisy De Morton, Eaton remained composed and quickly drove the ball down the court to build up an early lead. As Jessica Knight and Mickashia Watts scored for Eaton, teammates Eleanor Yates and Kasey Joy looked to back up their efforts by mounting pressure on Busselton’s shooters and midcourters. However, Busselton were not giving up easily with De Morton continuing to try for interceptions while Jenelle Pagan amped up the pressure on Knight. Although Busselton started fighting back late in the term, shots by Knight helped Eaton hold on to lead 14-7 at quarter time. Both sides continued to mount the pressure on one another throughout the second term, although Eaton continued to capitalise off rebounds to pull away. Courtney Collard and Kristy Fitzgerald showed strong teamwork in getting feeds to Knight and Watts, while Giaan Evans was impressive in defence. Just as it looked as though Eaton were starting to take control, Busselton shooters Holly-Jo Delaney and Lisa Millman made some late shots off rebounds to trail by 12 goals at half time. With Eaton continuing to extend their lead in the third term, Busselton fought desperately to fight back with a revamped line-up that saw Millman and Maia Bratton join forces in the goal circle. In the midst of Busselton’s desperate fight to make a comeback, Eaton remained composed as they continued to pull away. By the final change, the margin had blown out to 15 goals. The exciting contest continued into the final term with both sides keen to finish strong. While Eaton maintained a comfortable margin of 20 goals throughout the term, Busselton did not give up and mounted the defensive pressure. However, it was not enough to topple the undefeated Eaton side, who held strong to win by 18 goals. Elsewhere, a dominant second-quarter effort helped Harvey Brunswick Leschenault on their way to notching their fifth win on the trot, defeating Carey Park 63-44, while South Bunbury held off a determined Augusta Margaret River outfit 46-37.