ANA 2024: Bullets surge to top of A1 ladder and end Kangas’ final hopes, Denmark Magpies surrender top spot

Bullets 1 have moved to the top of the ladder and have knocked Kangas 1 out of the finals race in the penultimate round of the Albany Netball Association A1 season. Bullets have been second on the table for most of the season, but a 58-42 victory over a spirited Kangas on Saturday put them on top with just one round remaining in the season as all four finals-bound sides were confirmed. In round 13 Bullets launched to a seven-goal lead in the first quarter as influential goal shooter Emily Gadean had the hot hand early to help her side score 16 first-quarter goals. Bullets then extended their lead at half-time as prolific rebounding goal defender Rachel Adams drove the backcourt and launched devastating counterattacks. With a 13-goal lead to the main break, Bullets had done enough to emerge 16-goal winners and end Kangas’ finals hopes. Kangas middle court specialist Hayley Hulm competed tirelessly in centre and wing attack while Shanaya Weeden and Kaitlyn Bradley worked hard against dominant Bullets goal keeper Claire Holliday. Denmark Magpies 1 surrendered top spot after a shock loss to Narrikup 1 who clinched a finals berth and proved they are a dangerous opponent come finals time. The two sides could barely be split throughout the game but Narrikup held firm in the last, outscoring the Magpies by three goals to pinch a tense 51-48 win. After being all tied up at the opening break, the Magpies led by the barest of margins at half-time before Narrikup levelled the scores at the final change. Young gun Courtney White was shifted into the goal circle in the second half which proved pivotal while Te Paea Keremete was their main avenue in the circle throughout the game. Amy Dominiak and Laura Bracewell moved from the defensive circle to goal attack in the last half to spark a new look going forward but were unable to match the offensive power of their opponents. A devastatingly powerful first half elevated Railways 1 past Griffins 1, to secure a huge 15-goal victory. The opening half produced 32 of Railways’ goals as they stormed to a 56-41 win. Trailing by 20 goals at the final change, Griffins ignited a late flurry scoring 16 goals to make the scoreboard more respectable. In the final match of the round, Royals Saints 1 won on forfeit against Bethel 1.