Thrilling victory for Narrikup 7 in B3 grand final

Narrikup 7 won a thrilling grand final in the Albany Netball Association B3 division, holding off Bethel 4 in the concluding stages to finish the season as premiers on Saturday.

Early nerves caused a number of first-quarter turnovers from both sides, but Narrikup centre Saska Ellis made her presence felt, proving nimbleness and speed are key to this position.

Bethel sisters Ebony and Fiona Grixti helped their team take a four-goal lead at quarter-time.

Narrikup finally found their groove in the second, scoring eight goals to two, with goal attack Kailee-Jo Foyle playing a very strong game, and persevered well against the Bethel defenders Lynette Nekel and Bu Gay Moo.

By half-time, Narrikup were up by two goals, 7-9.

Shelbie Wilkinson helped Narrikup create several turnovers in the third term, and goalkeeper Lucy Russ caught numerous rebounds.

The sides netted two goals each, and heading into the last quarter, Narrikup still held a slender advantage.

There was plenty of passion from both sides, especially on the sidelines, in the all-important final quarter.

Narrikup’s Kaille-Jo at goal shooter in the fourth did not let Bethel goalkeeper Bu Gay Moo unnerve her once, with both playing brilliant final quarters.

Narrikup were too strong in the last five minutes and came away with the glory as the B3 grand final winners by seven goals, 21-14.

Awards were presented after the game and Bethel’s Bu Gay Moo won the fairest and best in B3.

Grammar 12’s Keira Tapscott and Grammar 13’s Chloe Climie and Kyla King were joint fairest and best runners-up.