Narrikup strengthen top-two push

Narrikup 1 have won a crucial fixture against Railways to put themselves in a strong position to finish in the top two, after a fast start proved too much for their rivals to handle in round 10 on Saturday afternoon.

For the second time this season, Narrikup have had Railways measure, this time a 14-goal first quarter setting up what was a comfortable win in the end.

Narrikup led by six goals at quarter-time and they extended their advantage to nine by half-time as the work of centre Kristie Slater and forward Heidi Sandison did not go unnoticed.

Railways were giving up simple turnovers and had problems converting in the goal circle as their effort last week to knock off the top side was undone by a 19-goal defeat.

Needing a big third term to get back into the game, Railways were simply outworked as Narrikup careered away to a big victory.

Darcy Kerr was outstanding in the back half, constantly intercepting or thwarting the Railways’ attack, while Sandison was the main avenue to goal.

The margin had blown out to 16 goals by three-quarter time as Railways were kept to four goals in the third as Kerr and goal defender Bree Dale combined brilliantly.

Narrikup simply finished off a comprehensive result in the final stanza as they finished 42-23 winners with Slater, Kerr and Sandison doing the damage, the latter spending the fourth on the bench.

The win moves Narrikup two points clear of their opponent in second place and 23 goals was the worst return of the Tigers’ debut season in the Albany Netball Association A1 competition.

Playing the entire match at centre, Kirsten Gault was the Tigers best contributor while Kiera Stephen battled hard in defence.

In other round 11 matches, Kangas 1 made it back-to-back wins to boost their finals hopes after beating Sonix 52-38.

A 30-goal first half had Kangas in the box seat and despite Sonix winning the final term 14-9, they prevailed to move within three points of fourth place.

Royals Saints 1 had to absorb a powerful finish from Grammar 1 to keep their grip on top spot.

Ahead by 13 goals seemed a comfortable lead for Royals Saints but Grammar fought hard as they piled on 17 goals in the final term, but fell short by five goals, 53-48.

Magpies 1 were also on the winners’ list as they took care of Kangas 2, 60-40, to replace Grammar in the top four.