Win puts Magpies at top of pecking order

Magpies 1 maintained their winning form in the new Albany Netball Association A1 competition season, recording a comfortable 27-goal win over Narrikup 1 on Saturday afternoon.

Magpies burst out of the blocks in the opening quarter, leading 14-4, and maintained their 10-goal buffer at half-time, 22-12. They carried on their impressive form to be one of two undefeated teams after two rounds, finishing with a 48-21 win to sit on top of the table.

Competition newcomers Bethel Blaze experienced a tough initiation to A1, copping a heavy 41-goal defeat to the well-drilled Kangas 1 on Saturday evening.

The Blaze showed encouraging signs in the opening term when shooters Charlize van der Mescht and Janelle Clay made the most of their opportunities in the circle to keep their side in touch at quarter time, trailing 10-5.

But from there the reigning premiers took control, with their experience showing as they forced the young Bethel side into turnovers through terrific pressure.

Shooters Rani Rawlinson and Marcia Trevenen teamed well in attack and despite periods of inaccuracy, quickly built a commanding lead and went on to win, 55-14.

In her first match of the season, Rawlinson played the first three quarters to finish with 16 goals from 26 attempts, while Trevenen led the way with 25 from 35 and new recruit Kirsty Smith chimed in with 12 from 26.

Up the other end, newcomer Rachel Willcocks produced a number of impressive intercepts as the Blaze could only generate 28 shots for the match. In the remaining match, Royals Saints 1 joined the Magpies on two wins from as many games after easily accounting for Grammar 44-30.