Netball: Kangas bounced to fourth

Kangas 1 have slipped to fourth spot on the Albany Netball Association A1 ladder after a 10-goal defeat at the hands of Narrikup 1 on Saturday.

Picture: Kangas’ Gabby Trevenen defends against Narrikup’s Kelly Haynes in the Kangas’ 10-goal defeat.

With their forward combination of Cherie Determes and Jess Nottle in top gear, last year’s 8runners-up proved they will again be hard to beat after a gutsy 46-36 win.

Sharni Bracknell was influential in the centre court while defenders Ashleigh Haydock and Lisa Amess displayed real vigour in the back half.

Veteran Tracey Myers was outstanding for Kangas along with Gabby Trevenan who played a variety of roles, but the game was soured by a serious knee injury to Kangas’ defender Mel Miller.

Determes was the game’s most influential forward, netting 29 goals from 39 attempts as she 8continues her fine season.

Nottle was equally impressive on her way to 17 goals at 89 per cent, missing just two shots.

Kangas forwards Kellie Rogers and Marini Vonk also shot with precision at 75 and 71 per cent 8respectively.

Narrikup coach Lisa O’Farrell said the aim was not to drop any games heading into the finals.

“I was happy with that game, you always have to bring your best against Kangas,” she said.

She said the team made a number of structural changes during the match which also paid off.

“I was happy with the way we made our changes,” O’Farrell added.

“We changed the defensive end completely and that took a while to get used to but once they got used to it, we kicked away.”

Despite the loss, Kangas coach Steve Kenworthy said his side were progressing nicely towards the finals.

“It was what we expected but I was really happy with that,” he said.

“We have changed our strategy and approach to games, this was the second game we have run it in but we are tracking all right.”

Sonix came from behind to defeat Magpies 1 also by 10 goals, 42-32 while Royal Saints 1 beat Jokers 1, 37-31.

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