Kangas meet in-form Royals Saints in decider

Kangas 1 player-coach Carrie Beeck says her side is desperate to avoid a repeat of last year’s grand final as they look to win a second Albany Netball Association A1 premiership in the space of three seasons, up against Royals Saints on Saturday afternoon.

Last year Kangas went through the regular season with just one loss to their name and won the second semifinal only to go down in the decider by 20 goals to Magpies’ 1.

This season has followed a similar script after the Kangas lost their round 1 match to Magpies before going on a 13-game winning streak to finish at the top of the ladder and advance to the grand final with victory in the second semifinal a fortnight ago.

Beeck said her side were well aware of what happened last season and were expecting a fierce contest against the young Royals Saints outfit.

“Based on what happened in last year’s grand final we know what to expect and what we will get,” she said.

“We have prepared as best we can, we have been really lucky with injuries during the year and go in at full strength.

“We will try to be confident but mindful we are up against a pretty young Royals Saints team that has gelled really well and had a great year considering how young they are.”

Kangas won the 2014 premiership when they beat Magpies by seven goals in an overtime thriller and Saturday will be their fourth grand final appearance in six years.

“We have a few old heads in the team and they will help us settle,” Beeck said. “We’ve had a core that has been together for a few years now, and adding Kellie Rogers in attack has been an added bonus.

“I think the key is consistency all across the court, maintain that pressure and force them to make mistakes.”

Kangas have won both their match-ups this season, with a five-goal win in round 4 while in their most recent encounter, they won 49-35.

After finishing fourth on the ladder and eliminating Kangas 2 and last year’s premiers Magpies on their way to the grand final, Royals Saints enter the decider in terrific form.

Royals Saints will be out to win their first A1 premiership since the 2010, with none of that successful team still playing in this young outfit, which makes it a tough task, according to player-coach Carly Szczecinski.

“Out of the nine players there is only two that didn’t play in a grand final in different grades last year so they have experience in finals,” she said.

“It’s going to be a challenge though with the excitement of the day.

“Kangas have played together for a long time and have a game plan they have been working on for several years so we are going to have to play at our absolute best.”

Royals Saints will be at full strength for the contest, with mid-court star Kathryn Jennings, defender Lisa Amess and talented shooter Nardia Humphries looming as key players.

“I think it will come down to shooting for both sides, their shooting accuracy,” Szczecinski said.

“Our girls are excited and pretty honoured to be representing the club at the highest level.”

The A1 grand final will begin at 3pm.