Grand final preview: Railways and Narrikup to do battle in historic Albany Netball Association A1 decider

Railways 1 will chase their maiden Albany Netball Association A1 premiership in just their second season of competition when they do battle with Narrikup 1 in Saturday’s grand final at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre. Railways were knocked out of the finals last season when they were crippled by injury in their elimination final against this week’s grand final opponent. But they returned bigger and better in an interrupted 2020 season and only lost one game, heading into the decider having won their last six matches. In the sides two clashes this season, Railways have had a narrow edge over Narrikup winning by two goals in rounds one and six. Railways defeated Royals Saints 1 twice last season and twice this season — the only team to beat the 2019 premiers before Narrikup’s preliminary final triumph on Tuesday. Railways coach Richelle Warren said her team was looking forward to playing in their first grand final. “The team is in good shape and ready to play a hard-fought game of netball,” she said. “We need to bring four quarters of 100 per cent effort if we want to win. “We will have to stop all seven players on the court at the time, every game is different and every player match-up varies. “It would be amazing to win a premiership in our second year. “Railways are a team of talented players and have worked hard in a year that has been both physically and mentally demanding.” Narrikup have not won a premiership since 2012 and are in their first grand final since 2013. Coach Lisa O’Farrell said that Railways were a very physical opponent. “I think it will be about who turns up to play netball on the day, nerves will take its toll on a few players and this being Railways’ first grand final they will be very determined,” she said. “It’s all about our recovery now as to how the team pulls up, we came through that (preliminary final) fairly well. “Kym Quartermaine is still struggling a bit with an ankle injury but apart from that we will have our full team. “Our last two games have been very close and Railways have had the better of us this year. “After getting knocked out last year and finishing third, it means a lot to my girls who were in the team last year. “They are now so determined and focused, it’s great just to sit back and watch them.” The A1 grand final will be played on court six at 3.30pm on Saturday.