ANA 2024: Polished Railways make light work of winless Bethel in A1, Bullets keep undefeated streak alive

Fast-paced ball movement and dead-eye shooting helped Railways 1 to a commanding 27-goal victory over Bethel 1 in round five of the Albany Netball Association A1 competition. Railways were dominant from the first whistle powering to a nine-goal advantage at the first break, sparked by a 7-1 run in the early parts, on their way to a 58-31 win. Sharpshooter Kasey Warren was pin-point in the goal circle finishing off Railways’ electrifying passing from the middle court and finished with a game-high 25 goals. Partnered soundly by Lexi Kerr and Shanaya Weeden, the trio wreaked havoc on Bethel’s defenders as they rotated through the offensive posts. Kerr had a blistering back half scoring 15 of her 18 goals in the final two terms while Weeden (15) consistently offered avenues to the hoop. After leading by 12 goals at the half, Railways flexed their muscles in the third scoring 15 goals while holding Bethel to just six. While Railways’ three destructive shooters were on song, their passing through the middle court proved the difference between the two sides with Ruby Steel and Ksharna Coyne skipping the ball down the court with ease. Karina Graham and Janie Smith thwarted a lot of Bethel’s attacks and set up a strong rebounding game from the defensive half all-match. Brodie Dixon made an immediate impact off the bench for Bethel and offered a better look going forward and finished with 11 goals while wing attack Charlotte Boreham fought hard before being rotated to goal shooter late. Bullets 1’s blistering start to the season continued after they notched their fifth consecutive win to start the season, disposing Griffins 1 by 24 goals. Reliable attackers Courtney Gadean and Courtney Gardner were unstoppable in the goal circle helping set up their 56-31 victory. The sharpshooting pair converted 12 goals from 13 shots in the opener while at the other end restricted Jessamy Law-Davis and Brooke Pearson missed to just eight goals behind the stellar defence from Rachael Adams and Tea Etheridge. Despite missing defensive star Claire Holliday, Bullets were firm in defence conceding no more than 10 goals in a quarter while powering away with strong attacks. Narrikup 1 bounced back into form after last week’s defeat to Denmark Magpies 1, scoring a 15-goal victory over Kangas 1 courtesy of a powerful second term. After trailing by two goals at the first change, Narrikup activated Daisy Morgan off the bench to partner goal shooter Te Paea Keremete in the goal circle as the pair piled on 17 goals on their way to a 58-43 triumph. Kangas’ Keely Berry defended hard for most of the game while Rachael Bradley and Hayley Hulm ran the middle court. Title holders Royals Saints 1 secured their fourth consecutive victory with a clutch 51-45 win over Denmark Magpies. Since their defeat in their season opener grand final rematch against Bullets, Royals have been unstoppable defeating every challenger in their path without hesitation, closing the gap on their decider rivals at the top of the table.