Narrikup rise to the challenge to beat persistent Grammar

Narrikup 1 will take winning momentum into their elimination first semifinal this Saturday after coming from behind to pinch a thrilling victory against Grammar 1 in the final round of the regular season on Saturday. The same two sides will meet again in this week’s sudden death Albany Netball Association A1 semifinal but Narrikup will go in having won their past three matches. Grammar had the better of the opening half and led by three goals as Marianne Tutt and Alyssa Ward provided great drive from mid-court. Georgia Kowald was impressive in attack as Grammar scored four straight goals to set up their half-time margin only for Narrikup’s Casey Greay to score on the whistle. After the main break, Narrikup hit back through Sheridan Kowald, who netted her first five attempts on goal. Narrikup grabbed the lead and then skipped out to a five-goal advantage with Sheridan Kowald and Greay on song in the circle, which came from the work of Ward and Sian Lucas up the court. Narrikup outscored their opponents 15 goals to 8 in the third to set up their four-goal win, as Sheridan Kowald netted 10 goals from 13 attempts in a prolific term. Georgia Kowald trimmed the margin to three goals early in the fourth for Grammar but her sister responded at the other end and the two sides went goal for goal. Narrikup stretched the margin to six goals at one stage but the two sides both finished with 15 goals in a free-flowing final term. Ward and Sheridan Kowald were vital in Narrikup’s triumph 60-56 which came without key trio Kristie Slater, Darcy Kerr and Ella Scamozzi. Casey Griffiths, Jessica Leamon and Georgia Kowald all played well for Grammar in the narrow defeat. Meanwhile Railways 1 handed Royals Saints their first loss of the season ahead of their second semifinal showdown this Saturday. Royals Saints led by two goals at half-time before Railways took control as they scored 13 goals in the third term and then another 12 in the fourth to secure a six-goal win. The result was Railways’ fourth straight win but Royals Saints still finished on top and as minor premiers by a single point. Kangas 1 and Magpies 1, who have both missed the finals, ended their campaign with a 39-all draw in the other round 10 match.