Premiers withstand Magpies challenges

Defending premiers Kangas 1 withstood a spirited challenge from close rivals Magpies 1 to record their second win of the Albany Netball Association A1 competition in round 5 on Saturday afternoon.

Kangas led by a goal in the opening term and the margin was the same again at half-time as Magpies’ mid-court pair Kelly Judd and Savannah Hill helped their side remain in touch.

The third term proved critical for the Kangas, however, as Kirsty Smith and Marcia Trevenen moved well in the goal circle, and youngster Maddi Hines worked hard at centre, with their side winning the quarter 11 goals to eight.

Magpies failed to go away though as they continued to fight back in the final term, but they fell five goals short at the final whistle.

Kangas outscored their opponents by a goal in the last stanza as they went on to notch a 41-36 victory and bounce back from last week’s draw with Grammar 1.

It has been a mixed start for the new-look Kangas side, having lost in the opening round to Royals Saints 1 before an emphatic 44-goal win over Bethel in round 2.

Just two points separate second and fifth place on the ladder after five completed rounds, with Kangas 2 also chalking up a second win for the year on Saturday.

Despite having only one win coming into the clash with Bethel, Kangas proved far too strong as they scored more than 10 goals in all four quarters of the game on their way to a comfortable 22-goal triumph.

Stacey Rogers was influential in centre court, along with young talent Caitlin Ward as Kangas extended their 13-goal half-time margin to win 54-32.

Royals Saints remain two games clear on top of the ladder after a fifth win of the season, downing Narrikup 1 by 22 goals in the other round 5 fixture.

The young Royals Saints outfit are unbeaten from their first five games and have the bye in round 6.