In a gritty grand final the Augusta Margaret River Youth Girls team came out second best, losing to Bunbury Cathedral Grammar school 75-34.
The score line did not reflect the quality of the match which showcased the talent on offer in the girl’s football competition.
Bunbury got off to a flying start and made the most of an early wind advantage.
AMR was on the back foot as a barrage of Bunbury shots put points on the board.
With the wind making clearing kicks difficult AMR changed tactics and preferred to run the ball out and make shorter punts up field.
The tactic worked and AMR soon found themselves in the right end of the field and on the score board.
With the score 34-8 at the half it was do-or-die time for AMR but they stepped up to the plate and quickly found their groove.
They picked up three goals in five minutes as the midfielders connected with the forwards and set up scoring opportunities.
Unfortunately it proved tough on the legs and, with only two reserves on the bench, it was only a matter of time before their gutsy performance began to slow.
Bunbury soon struck back to push the scoreline out further and having a six-goal buffer heading into the final quarter.
Both teams seem to find each others measure in the final quarter and with many attacking plays shut down by strong defence it was a matter of waiting for the clock to run out.
More details of the match and girls footie leagues in the area will appear in Wednesdays’ Augusta Margaret River Mail.