Kangas hop closer to glory

Kangas 1 have booked a spot in the Albany Netball Association A1 competition preliminary final after thwarting a third-quarter comeback from Grammar 1 to win by seven goals in the first elimination semifinal on Saturday afternoon.

After an even first quarter, Kangas seized control in the second term and went into the halftime break holding a comfortable nine-goal lead.

A blistering third stanza from Grammar, led by Casey Warren and Bridgette Latham, resulted in 16 goals from only 19 attempts as they reeled the margin back to two goals at the final change.

Grammar’s momentum carried into the last quarter and they surged into the lead before the cool head of Jodie Wignall settled Kangas with a string of goals to push them back in front to finish ahead 48-41. Wignall was sensational for Kangas and finished with 30 goals from 39 attempts. Kate Minter and Kirsty Smith were also influential while Marcia Trevenen finished with 18 goals from 27 attempts.

The addition of Casey Warren to Grammar’s offence in the second half was vital to the comeback and Warren finished with 14 goals from 18 attempts while Cleo Bigwood scored 19 goals from 23 attempts.

Latham provided plenty of drive for Grammar throughout the match while Jordyn Warren managed eight goals from 17 attempts.

Meanwhile, Royals Saints 1 have progressed to the grand final in thrilling fashion with an extra-time victory against Magpies 1 in the second semifinal.

With scores locked at 38-38 at the final whistle, Royals Saints managed nine points to six in the two periods of extra-time to claim a stunning 47-44 win.

Magpies will now take on Kangas in the preliminary final this Saturday.