Royals Saints hang on to top after draw

Magpies 1 and Royals Saints 1 were forced to share the points after finishing in an enthralling 35-35 draw in the Albany Netball Association A1 competition on Saturday afternoon.

Magpies held a one-goal lead going into the last quarter, but Royals Saints were able to peg back the difference and leave scores level at the final whistle.

It was the second draw of the season and leaves Magpies two points adrift of Royals Saints in the standings and level with Kangas 1, who have a game in hand with four sets of fixtures remaining.

Meanwhile, on Friday night, Kangas 2 kept their slim finals hopes alive with a 32-26 win against Narrikup 1.

Led by shooter Jenna Honey-Smith (15 goals from 42 attempts), Kangas got on top in the first quarter and skipped out to a 20-13 halftime lead.

After an even third quarter, Narrikup made a run early in the last as Rebekah Lovelle (17 goals from 33 attempts) cut the margin to two points. However, Kangas were able to steady late and claim an important win that keeps them in touch with Grammar 1.

Caitlin Ward provided much of the Kangas’ drive into attack, while Jennelle Marwick and Amy Coetzer were solid in defence.

Lovelle was Narrikup’s major threat up forward, while Emily Porter provided good support.

In the other Saturday fixture, Grammar 1 boosted their percentage with a dominant 67-23 win over Bethel 1.

With four fixtures left in the season, Kangas 2 and Grammar are fighting for fourth spot while Kangas 1 and Magpies continue to keep the pressure on Royals Saints at the top of the standings.