Late flurry nets Grammar thrilling win

Grammar 1 produced a stirring final quarter to overhaul Kangas 2 on their way to a single-goal victory in round 2 of the Albany Netball Association A1 competition last Saturday afternoon.

After starting strongly in the first term, Grammar maintained their three-goal advantage in the second, with the experience of Jennelle Marwick showing in centre court while young forwards Abbey Cristinelli and Kasey Warren combined well.

Kangas rallied in the third term, however, netting 11 goals to storm into the lead as the move of Ellen Smith to centre had immediate effect and forward combination Alyssa Ward and Monique Nicholson shot well.

Trailing by two goals at three-quarter-time, it was Grammar’s turn to hit back in the final stanza as they outscored their opponents eight goals to five and pinched a tense victory.

Marwick returned to centre in the final quarter and defensive duo Nina Smith and Jodi Bradley stifled Kangas’ hopes to get back on level terms as they prevailed, 29-28, to notch their first win of the season.

A 10-goal third term guided Narrikup 1 to their first win of the season, defeating Bethel 1 by three goals at the final whistle.

Bethel led by four goals at quarter-time and the same margin at half-time before Narrikup found their groove to net 10 goals and hit the front.

Narrikup were able to win the final period as they recorded a hard-fought 24-21 triumph led by the returning Sharni Bracknell and youngster Sarah Horgan.

In the other round 2 fixture, Magpies 1 and Kangas 1 recorded the first draw of the season.

Kangas led in the dying stages but couldn’t prevent a Magpies goal right on the full time whistle to leave the sides locked together at 40 apiece.