Netball: Narrikup winners are number one

Narrikup 1 have won just their second A1 premiership in 40 years of competing after a come-from-behind win over Kangas 1 in the Albany Netball Association A1 grand final on Saturday.

Picture by Laurie Benson

Down by two goals at the final break, Narrikup looked shot early in the final term as Kellie Rogers and Tracey Myers controlled the contest, stretching Kangas lead to four goals.

But Narrikup sharpshooter Cherie Determes hauled her side over the line, scoring 10 goals in the thrilling dying minutes of the match, to give Narrikup a three-goal win and break a nine-year premiership drought.

Determes shot 14 goals in the final term, and 11 in the second where her side came from behind to lead at half time.

The 16 year-old finished with an astounding 40 goals from 51 attempts and was probably stiff not to win the Lucy Holt Award for the best player in the grand final.

In a tense final term, Kangas continued their dominance from the third term, with Rogers and Gabby Trevenen on fire as they skipped out to a four-goal lead, but that would soon be quashed.

Narrikup broke the run of play as Determes helped herself to four consecutive goals, giving her team the lead since midway through the third quarter.

Rogers levelled the scored on two occasions but Kangas turned the ball over right when it counted most and Determes added another four straight, guiding her side to a 48-45 victory.

Lisa Amess was outstanding in defence for Narrikup, causing numerous turnovers and intercepts in her best game all season, while Kelly Haynes and Sharni Bracknell also gave the premiers plenty of drive.

Despite being on the losing ledger of the score line, Rogers was awarded for her brilliant individual performance with the Holt award, netting 31 goals from 34 attempts, finishing with a shooting percentage of 91.

Veteran Tracy Myers returned from injury to have a big impact while Trevenen scored 12 goals and was not overawed by the tense grand final pressure.

Narrikup coach Lisa O’Farrell was thrilled her side went one better than last year.

“I am ecstatic, the girls had a six-goal turnaround and, knowing we are losing some of the girls after this year, they were determined to get out and win it,” she said. “It is just fantastic to come away with a win, it’s only our second A1 flag in 40 years and our first in nine years.”

Kangas coach Steve Kenworthy was not disappointed with the result, and said his team had done well to come from fourth but a couple of costly turnovers in the final minutes were the difference.

Got a story? Email cameron.newbold@albanyadvertiser.com