COLLIE were overwhelmed by a potent Bunbury line-up in the first quarter of their Football Netball League encounter on Sunday at the South West Sports Centre.
Bunbury, playing with great precision, worked tirelessly in the first quarter in a superb team effort to dominant a shell shocked Collie team, leading 16 to 8 at the first break.
Collie regrouped in the second quarter to match the physicality of the Bunbury side but was unable to bridge the gap going into the break with a 12 goal deficit. Changes at half time saw Karen Long resume in the unfamiliar role of goal attack and Kristy Bronickis move to the shooter’s position, with Kristy Taare having a quarter off.
Sheridan Banks moved into the wing attack position and after a shaky start grew in confidence as the game progressed.
The defence of Nicole Jones and Elena Clazie increased the pressure on the Bunbury shooters and with Aimee Towler and Melanie Lasisz shutting down the potent mid court, Collie was able to draw even for the quarter but with a long way to go.
With victory out of reach, Collie trialed some positional moved as Bunbury again dominated the scoring to win 54 to 34.
Nicole Jones was best on court for Collie with a strong game at goal defence and Karen Long, playing in wing attack, goal attack and centre, worked hard for the entire game.
Collie is now relegated to fourth position on the ladder with only five games remaining in the season. Collie meets the powerful Augusta Margaret River side on Sunday in Collie and will have to be at its best to win.
