Reigning premiers Magpies knocked out of A1 title race after Narrikup claim preliminary final victory

Narrikup 1 withstood a strong challenge from reigning premiers Magpies 1 to advance to the Albany Netball Association A1 grand final, overcoming their opposition by 12 goals in the preliminary final on Saturday. Magpies led by a single goal at quarter-time but a blitzing three quarters from Narrikup helped them wrestle control back in a gripping final. The impressive victory sets up a highly anticipated decider against Royals Saints 1 in this Saturday’s grand final. Both sides went blow-for-blow in the first period with Casey Greay scoring seven goals from eight attempts to open proceedings for the Magpies. But a dominant quarter from Narrikup’s Rylee Davis helped click her side into gear, sinking 11 goals from as many attempts while Asha Wiegele added five of her own in a rampant term. Wing attack Sian Lucas provided excellent support through mid-court, setting up her shooters while intercepting well in transition to help Narrikip to a 27-21 half-time advantage. Narrikup fired out of the blocks again with Kristie Slater providing direction in mid-court to force several turnovers early. Magpies’ Brittany Finigan and Greay were not afforded many opportunities as Narrikup’s Slater and Daisy Stewart-Morgan regained control to set up the strong shooting combination of Davis and Wiegele in the goal circle. Davis netted 10 goals from 11 attempts and Wiegele added three goals to leave Magpies trailing by 12 goals at the last change. Finigan moved from goal attack to goal shooter in the final term and her side had some early success with the sharpshooter returning 11 goals at 100 per cent for the quarter. However, Wiegele stood up for Narrikup in the late stages, scoring nine goals from 10 attempts to cap an outstanding team performance as they secured their grand final berth with a rousing 57-45 win. Narrikup were best served by the prolific shooting combination of Wiegele (17 goals) and Davis (36) while Lucas and Slater provided creativity through centre-court. Vice-captain Erin Miller was rock solid in defence and was backed up strongly by Maryann McLeod. Finigan netted 25 goals to lead from the front in a losing affair while Maggie Hardiman and Jasmine Butterworth had plenty of play through mid-court. Magpies’ Jayde McHenry toiled hard in wing defence in the face of a fast-moving Narrikup team in transition.