Final-quarter fightback from Flames not enough to prevent Wagin claiming breakthrough NDNA A1 premiership

Wagin 1 ended a lengthy premiership drought, claiming their first Narrogin and Districts Netball Association A1 title since 1989 after beating Flames in the grand final on Saturday. In what was a wonderful decider, minor premiers Wagin held their own for three quarters but had to withstand a major fightback from Flames in the final quarter to prevail by three goals. Flames centre Amelia Sherry came out hard and fast from the first whistle and set the pace in what was a tight first quarter but Wagin led by two goals. Wagin stepped it up a notch in the second term, with Mandy Dunlop and Faith McNab working hard in defence while Courtney Webb and Jaelyn Ranieri were on fire offensively with Webb’s accuracy proving to be the turning point. Wagin went into half-time with a 30-22 advantage. In the third quarter Wagin played consistent netball, with several successful turnovers through the mid-court and defence. Wagin opened up an 11-goal lead heading into the final term but Flames refused to give up. They grabbed every opportunity and strong defence from Melita Davey and Abbie Munns, who got a number of rebounds and played the ball strongly down the court. Flames had a fast start to the final term and shooters Chelsea Mulcahy and Ashtyn Steer knew they had to take every opportunity to score. Mulcahy was shooting brilliantly with five successive goals to leave the crowd on the edge of their seats as Flames had the momentum. Flames outscored their opponents 17 goals to nine in the fourth but Wagin dug deep in the final few minutes to emerge winners. Wagin broke a 32-year premiership drought as they hung on 52-49. Webb deservedly won the A1 most valuable player for the decider, after her highly influential display in goal attack. In the other grades Pingelly 2 defeated minor premiers Olympics Gold 54-45 with Vinn Roser named MVP in the win for A2. Waves 2 downed Cuballing 2 49-32 in the A3 decider as Isabel Garnett received MVP honours in a losing affair. In the A4 grand final Cuballing 3 prevailed 37-31 winners over Olympics Royals with Annaliese Arthur being awarded MVP for the latter.