Kangas miss top four after final round loss to Narrikup while Railways secure finals berth in A1 competition

Narrikup 1 snatched second spot and a finals double chance in the last game of the regular season in the Albany Netball Association A1 competition on Saturday afternoon. A seven-goal triumph pushed Narrikup to second spot and set up a second semifinal showdown with title fancies Royals Saints 1. There was plenty riding on the round 14 fixture with Kangas needing a win to guarantee their place in the top four while Narrikup would leapfrog Magpies 1 into second if they were successful. The two sides traded goals in the opening term but Kangas held a single goal advantage at quarter-time before Narrikup stamped their authority on the contest in the second. Narrikup netted 15 goals in the second period to hit the front with Rylee Davis and Asha Wiegele impressive as a shooting combination. Experienced centre Kristie Slater continued to drive the ball forward in the third quarter as Narrikup’s lead was extended, outscoring their opponents 14 goals to eight. Goal defender Maryann McLeod and goalkeeper Erin Miller were terrific for Narrikup in the third as they applied strong pressure on the Kangas forwards. Kangas trailed by nine goals at three-quarter-time and they rallied in the fourth given what was on the line, but they fell short and the loss ended their season. Narrikup lost the final term by two goals but went on to record a 53-46 triumph at the final whistle. It was their eighth win of the season and they also had one draw in their 12 matches, finishing one point ahead of Magpies on the ladder. The result had major ramifications for Kangas, who held a top-four spot for most of the season. Kangas lost by nine goals to Railways 1 last week in their re-scheduled round 12 fixture, leaving the door open for Railways to jump into the top four. After Kangas lost earlier in the afternoon, Railways needed to win their round 14 clash with Bethel 1 to secure a finals berth. A 19-goal first quarter set up the Railways victory, as they replaced Kangas in the top four. Railways added 18 goals in the third stanza and despite losing the final quarter they finished winners 57-38 to set up an elimination final clash with Magpies. In the other round 14 fixture, Royals Saints tuned up for the finals with a comprehensive 65-39 win over Bullets 1.