ANA 2024: Defending premiers Royals Saints defeat Kangas, Bullets sew up A1 minor premiership in final round

The fixtures for the first round of the Albany Netball Association A1 finals series were already locked in heading into the last round of the regular season on Saturday, but the matches were far from dead rubbers. Despite their season already over, a spirited Kangas 1 pushed third-placed Royals Saints 1 all the way to the final whistle, the latter emerging five-goal winners courtesy of a strong last quarter. Kangas led at the first break by the barest of margins, before a strong second term from the defending premiers snatched a one-goal lead going to the main break. The two couldn’t be separated in the third, each netting 13 goals, before the Saints’ class shone through in the last, outscoring their opponents by five goals to register a 57-52 win. The Saints backed in their starting line-up for most of the match with shooters Jazelle Foggin and Summer Stirling forming a dynamic partnership up forward, while Narelle Humphries and Sienna Hepworth were pillars in defence. Kangas tall defender Keely Berry played a key role in the defensive circle and was supported by Sophie Panizza and Brontee Joy. Denmark Magpies 1 and Bullets 1 provided a tantalising qualifying final preview with a one-goal thriller. Bullets emerged with a 42-41 victory to stitch up the minor premiership and claim bragging rights before they jostle again this Saturday for a spot in the decider. The Magpies were the quickest out the blocks and entered quarter-time with a three-goal advantage. But a brilliant second term from Bullets in which they kept their opponents to just five goals while netting nine themselves, gave them a one-goal half-time buffer. Bullets then unassumingly edged away again, outscoring their opponents by three goals to take a four-goal lead into the final stanza, a gap proving insurmountable for the Magpies to reel in. Griffins 1 ended their tough season on a high, accounting for Bethel 1 by seven goals to clinch their third win of the season. Griffins did most of the damage in the first term, powering to a 10-goal lead at the opening break to set up the 44-37 win. Narrikup 1 will enter finals in good form after overcoming a slow start to ease past Railways 1 by 14 goals. Narrikup trailed by five goals at the first change, before outscoring Railways 45-26 in the last three terms to set up the dominant 59-45 victory. Bullets and Magpies will square off in the qualifying final on Saturday at 1pm before Royals Saints and Narrikup put their season on the line in the elimination final at 2.30pm.