Pies pounce on maiden premiership

Magpies 1 claimed a historic maiden Albany Netball Association A1 premiership in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, dominating the contest from the outset on their way to a convincing 20-goal victory over Kangas 1.

The two sides were involved in a thrilling 2014 decider when Kangas 1 prevailed in overtime, but this year history was not about to repeat itself as Magpies 1 exacted their revenge with a stunning 61-41 triumph.

Kangas 1 had lost just the one game this season and briefly led in the first quarter when Elle Trevenen netted her first two attempts on goal.

But from that point on the game belonged to Magpies 1.

Through star centre court player Kelly Judd and red-hot shooters Summer and Nikki Stirling, Magpies 1 quickly snatched the lead then went about establishing a four-goal advantage by quarter time.

Magpies 1 nailed the first five goals of the second term and when Elle Trevenen hit Kangas 1's first goal of the quarter, they already trailed by 10 goals.

Marcia Trevenen nailed all five of her goal attempts midway through the second to provide some resistance.

But Nikki Stirling stepped up at the other end to finish with seven goals of her own.

Summer Stirling chipped in with two late goals to help Magpies 1 out to a 10-goal half-time lead.

In the third term, Magpies 1 piled on the pressure as defensive trio Janie Smith, Rebecca Goodliffe and Kelly Flett worked tirelessly, resulting in their forwards getting ample supply.

Nikki Stirling nailed 11 of 13 attempts and Summer Stirling also shot seven of eight as their side outscored Kangas 1 by 18-8, effectively ending the game.

Trailing by 20 goals at the final change, Kangas 1 tried desperately to reduce the margin but Magpies 1 continued to find goals when needed as Summer Stirling sunk 10 of 12 attempts to ensure the 20-goal deficit remained.

Judd was outstanding in centre for the entire four quarters while the pressure down the court was also a key factor in the win.

Summer Stirling finished with a game-high 37 goals from 46 attempts at 80 per cent, while Nikki Stirling shot at 82 per cent for her 23 goals.

Magpies 1 coach Rosemary Wolter said she couldn't have asked for a better performance.

"That was awesome," she said. "Everyone in the team did exactly what they had to.

"This is what we worked on all year and to put it in place in a grand final is great."

Wolter said the win would give the club confidence it could be a force in the ANA.

"Our shooting percentage was incredible," she said.

"We had a number of held balls and turnovers.

"The actual pressure up the court, we were then able to utilise that at the other end.

"We have played finals the last three years, each year we have gone a bit further."

For Kangas 1, young forwards Elle Trevenen (23 from 28) and Marcia Trevenen (18 from 27) tried gallantly along with Brooke Baines and Sophie Mountford.

Kangas 1 coach Fiona Mountford praised Magpies 1 for their outstanding game.

"They were just fantastic," she said.

"They just did everything right.

"Their shooting accuracy was amazing.

"It certainly wasn't the result we wanted. But they have been a great team to coach all year."