Big win boosts Narrikup’s chances of securing finals double chance in the Albany Netball Association A1 comp

Narrikup 1 strengthened their claims for a top-two finish following a comfortable 23-goal victory over the lowly Bullets 1 in round 12 of the Albany Netball Association on Saturday. A 37-goal first half set the tone for Narrikup 1, leading at every change to record their seventh win of the season and their fourth in a row. Shooter Daisy Stewart-Morgan and Rylee Davis were prolific in the first quarter, sinking 19 shots from 22 attempts to open up a nine-goal advantage at the end of the first period. Teenager Emily Gadean led the way for the Bullets in the second quarter, scoring nine goals to help keep the margin to 13 goals. However, the steely Narrikup defensive duo of Maryann McLeod and Erin Miller were superb in the third term, holding the Bullets to nine goals while their side piled on 16 goals at the other end to surge further clear. Both sides fought hard in the final term as Montanna Baker had plenty of impact, competing with Narrikup’s Kristie Slater in a gripping battle at mid-court. But Narrikup’s efficiency proved telling, sinking 15 goals from 17 attempts to run out comfortable 68-45 winners at the final whistle. The result ensures Narrikup remain one point adrift of second-placed Magpies 1 with two rounds left in the regular season. Narrikup have games against Royals Saints 1 and Kangas 1 to come while Magpies face Kangas before having the bye in the final round. Magpies finished commanding 19-goal winners over Bethel 1 to hold down second spot. The Magpies pushed out to an early four-goal lead at the first change and never faltered, going on to record their eighth win of the season with a 59-40 triumph. The other round 12 fixture between Railways and Kangas was not played and will be rescheduled, Railways needing to win to keep their slim finals hopes alive.