Final quarter pivotal as Kangas 1 claim derby
Kangas 1 kept their finals hopes alive after breaking clear of their rivals in the all-Kangas derby in round nine of the Albany Netball Association A1 competition on Saturday afternoon.
The winless Kangas 2 outfit were up for the challenge as they tested their fellow club side for three quarters before the more experienced side got on top.
Kangas 1 led by six goals at every change but had to work hard as their rivals cut the deficit back to five goals.
An 18-goal fourth quarter proved the difference as young shooter Alyssa Ward came into her own and centre Maddy Hines worked tirelessly in midcourt to help Kangas 1 run the game out strongly and record a 17-goal victory.
Hines played three quarters at centre and was influential, firstly helping her side open up a six-goal advantage in the first and then powering them home as Kangas 1 notched only their second win of the season, 52-35.
Nicole Newton was also a driving force behind the Kangas 1 triumph, her drive at wing attack noticeable while Ward and Marcia Trevenen ensured their side kept responding with goals when they needed to in the first half.
Rani Rawlinson was swung into attack in the second half, and was opposed for much of it by former teammate Carrie Beeck, who was terrific in the back half for Kangas 2.
Kangas 2 got the margin back to three goals early in the third quarter as Sharni Day came off the bench to provide her side with just the spark they needed.
Day and Jaz Breuker ensured their side remained in touch at the final change but their inexperienced side was unable to go with Kangas 1 for another quarter.
Meanwhile for the second time this season Railways have knocked off Royals Saints 1, the Tigers holding off a final-quarter scare to win by four goals.
Railways led at every change and had opened up a 12-goal buffer at three-quarter-time before the ladder leaders came charging home.
Royals Saints fell short, 39-43, to suffer their second defeat of the season which have both come at the hands of the new A1 team.
Grammar 1 produced a strong fourth quarter to edge Magpies 1 in their encounter and replace them in fourth spot.
Magpies led at the last break but a 13 goal to eight fourth term handed Grammar a vital 48-41 win and a grip on fourth place.
The battle for the top two is firmly on with Narrikup joining Railways on 13 points, one adrift of Royals Saints, after they also won.
A 29-goal first half set up Narrikup’s 53-46 triumph over Sonix.
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