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First-quarter onslaught helps Magpies continue winning streak

Headshot of Cameron Newbold
Cameron NewboldAlbany Advertiser
Magpies' Caitlyn Wheatley shoots as Kangas' Tahlie Larosa and Rachel Willcocks defend.
Camera IconMagpies' Caitlyn Wheatley shoots as Kangas' Tahlie Larosa and Rachel Willcocks defend. Credit: Laurie Benson

A first-quarter blitz helped Magpies 1 storm to the top of the Albany Netball Association A1 ladder, as they defeated Kangas 1 to continue their brilliant winning streak last Saturday afternoon.

Chasing a sixth straight win in the A1 competition, Magpies produced a dominant first term as they netted 16 goals with shooting combination Brittany Needs and Caitlyn Wheatley quickly finding their range.

Kangas trailed 16-7 at the first break but hit back in the second as Kate Minter and Kirsty Smith began to have an influence and the margin was reduced to eight goals.

The two sides traded goals in the third term but Magpies continued to respond to the Kangas challenge as they maintained an eight-goal buffer.

With Sascha Roberts and Marcia Trevenen making the most of their opportunities in the circle in the fourth quarter, Kangas came with a late charge but their 13-goal term was enough as Magpies prevailed by three goals.

Kangas' Marcia Trevenen looks for a teammate.
Camera IconKangas' Marcia Trevenen looks for a teammate. Credit: Albany Advertiser

It was a tense final term but the experience of Kelly Judd in centre and wing defence Ashleigh Crock helped Magpies prevail, 42-39, and chalk up their sixth success in a row.

With Royals Saints 1 having the bye in round 9, the win lifted Magpies to the top of the standings by a single point with Kangas back in third a further point behind.

On Friday night, a decisive final quarter from Grammar 1 has kept them inside the top four after downing Kangas 2 by seven goals.

Grammar led by only three goals after an impressive fightback from Kangas in the third term, which netted 12 goals.

The fourth-placed Grammar, however, lifted when the game was on the line, out-scoring their opponents by five goals on way to a 43-36 result.

Narrikup 1 kept their finals hopes alive with a gritty 38-28 win over the winless Bethel 1 in the other match on Saturday.

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