Reigning premiers back to their best

Defending premiers Magpies 1 have recaptured some of their best form, storming home against Sonix in the Albany Netball Association A1 competition on Saturday afternoon.

After winning their second A1 title last season it has been a slow start to 2019 for Magpies, losing their first two matches.

However, they continued their turnaround with a 10-goal win over Sonix, with a 14-goal final term proving crucial.

Sonix led 14-11 at quarter time before Rebecca Goodliffe and shooters Brittany Needs and Natalie Hutchinson helped wrest back control for Magpies.

They were two goals up at half-time and the two sides produced 11 goals apiece in the third period.

With the game still up for grabs, Magpies defence rose to the challenge as they stifled Sonix’s attack and at the other end Needs continued her impressive game, joined by Caitlyn Wheatley.

That pair combined for 14 goals in the final term as Magpies ran out 51-41 winners.

Defenders Macy Lane and Claire Warburton were terrific especially in the final term while Goodliffe played the entire match at centre filling the void left by injured star Kelly Judd.

Kate Minter worked tirelessly in mid-court along with Jenelle Marwick while young pair Kasey Warren and Holly Minter also showed encouraging signs for Sonix.

In other round four matches, Railways and Kangas 1 played out the second draw of the season as the Tigers lost a six-goal lead at the last change.

Kangas managed only three goals in the third quarter to trail by six heading into the final term but they produced a terrific final stanza that netted 14 goals to pinch a point.

The return of Rachel Adams in defence was key to Kangas 1.

Royals Saints 1 ground out victory over Narrikup 1, 40-32, while Grammar 1 crushed Kangas 2 by 33 goals.