Magpies pinch top spot ahead of last round

For the first time since round 2, Magpies 1 have been on top of the Albany Netball Association A1 ladder after securing their ninth win of the season on Saturday afternoon against Grammar 1.

Magpies have been locked in an enthralling battle with Royals Saints 1 and defending premiers Kangas 1 for the all-important top two positions and a finals double chance but their victory in the penultimate round of the regular season almost ensures a top-two finish.

Grammar started well with centre Bridgette Latham and wing attack Abbie Cale giving their forwards regular supply and their side went into quarter time a goal ahead.

Magpies though hit back in the second term as they dominated across the court and young shooters Jasmyne Jones and Caitlyn Wheatley were on fire as they netted 13 goals together.

Despite losing the third term, Magpies still held a seven-goal buffer at the last change and they again got on top in the fourth stanza to add 11 more goals on their way to a 12-goal victory, 36-24.

Kelly Judd was impressive in mid-court while defender Sophie Bacon-Lewis was also solid in the Magpies win as they jumped back to first place on the ladder courtesy of their superior percentage over Royals Saints, who had the bye.

Magpies, however, will wait nervously on the results of the final round to determine if they win the minor premiership, given they have the round 14 bye and Royals Saints come up against the bottom placed Bethel 1.

Bethel got their first win on the board since rejoining the A1 competition after beating Narrikup 1 by six goals in round 13.

Bethel went into the game without a win to their name but proved too strong, 42-34, to lift them to equal points with Narrikup on the ladder.

Kangas 1 kept their top two hopes alive with hard-fought win over Kangas 2, a 24-goal second half proving the difference. Kangas 2 netted 12 goals in the second term as they took a four-goal lead into half-time but Kangas 1 dragged themselves back into the match as they outscored their opponents in the last half on the way to a five-goal result, 41-36.