Third term blitz from Narrikup helps them upset Railways in Albany Netball Association A1 grand final

Narrikup 1 completed the perfect finals series with their upset victory over Railways 1 in the Albany Netball Association A1 grand final on Saturday afternoon. After finishing third, Narrikup won their elimination final and midweek preliminary final before proving too strong in the 2020 decider. The triumph ended an eight-year premiership drought and prevented Railways from winning their first grand final. The 10-goal win was set up in the third term as Narrikup outscored their opponents 15-7 to open up 15-goal advantage going into the last quarter. Narrikup broke the game open midway through the third term, scoring eight straight goals to help break clear of Railways. Railways tried gallantly to fight back in the last quarter and netted eight of the last 10 goals but it was too little, too late. Narrikup finished 44-34 winners and jubilation spilled over on the final whistle as players celebrated Narrikup’s first premiership since 2012, when they beat Royals Saints, with Lisa O’Farrell also the coach of that successful team. “It’s been eight years since we last won a grand final so it’s fantastic to get back to the top,” O’Farrell said. “It’s quite a humbling thing as a coach to bring the girls to a grand final. “They were awesome on the court, you could see they wanted it from the get-go. “We really put a focus on the third quarter being the premiership quarter. “Throughout the year our third quarters have let us down but since the finals started we have been switched on. “It was a really hard-fought game and the girls’ determination was amazing.” Sheridan Kowald was awarded the Lucille Holt trophy after her superb effort in the win, netting 30 goals from 40 attempts at 75 percent in her first season at the club. Kowald was well supported in goals by Casey Greay with 14 goals from 19 attempts, while Kristie Slater worked hard through the centre court and Darcy Kerr and Bree Dale were solid in defence. Scores were even midway through the first quarter before Narrikup netted four straight goals to edge ahead by four goals at the first change. After progressing straight into the decider, Railways got the margin back to two goals early in the second before Narrikup responded and by half-time they had pulled away to lead by seven goals. Narrikup scored three more goals in the second half to ensure they won the 2020 title. Railways were best served by defenders Hollee Siviour and Kiera Stephen, who tried everything they could to stop Narrikup while Apryl Oreo ran hard through the centre. Jess Rintoul netted 16 goals from 21 attempts and was a strong presence all game while fellow shooter Mikaila Kowald finished with 18 for Railways. Railways coach Richelle Warren said it was a disappointing way to end the season. “For Railways’ second season in we are really proud that we made the grand final as we had half a team of new players this short season,” she said. “Even though runner-up doesn’t feel that great on the day it is a great achievement. “It was a good game but unfortunately Narrikup gained the lead early. “We fought hard and gained the turnovers but unfortunately didn’t capitalise on every one of them.”

Third term blitz from Narrikup helps them upset Railways in Albany Netball Association A1 grand final

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