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Flames advance to Narrogin and Districts Netball Association decider against Wagin with powerful prelim win

Narrogin Observer
Flames' Kate Cousins passes off as Wickepin's Helen Wyatt defends earlier this season.
Camera IconFlames' Kate Cousins passes off as Wickepin's Helen Wyatt defends earlier this season. Credit: Jess George

Flames 1 responded strongly from their second semifinal defeat to set up a rematch with Wagin 1 in the Narrogin and Districts Netball Association A1 grand final this Saturday.

After going down in their first final, Flames came out firing against Wickepin 1 in their preliminary final clash and emerged comfortable 19-goal victors last Saturday.

What looked to be a repeat of the first quarter in their last match-up, Wickepin came out strong in what looked to be a repeat of the first quarter in their last match-up, with Kelly Steere and Danara Astbury combining well against constant pressure from Piper Edwards to move the ball to their shooters Helen Wyatt and Samantha Dalmasson.

Wickepin flew out of the gates, netting the first five goals of the contest.

However, Flames settled into the game and several successful turnovers through the mid-court and defence helped level the scores and they continued to move ahead, leading 12-8 up at the first change.

The strong defence of Wickepin’s Emily Davey and Hilary Wittwer ensured Flames’ shooters Ashtyn Steer and Chelsea Mulcahy worked hard but excellent feeding by Jessica Daniels and Amelia Sherry helped Flames increase their margin to nine goals at half-time.

Flames’ Abby Munns stepped up and played strong in defence and even Wickepin’s change of shooters midway through did not impact on Flames’ youngsters game and assisted, by the ever-aerial Melita Davey who took every opportunity at rebounds, they played the ball strongly down the court to their shooters.

There were some great match-ups through the mid-court and the game, worthy of a final, was very physical and controlled well by umpires Rhea Turton and Donna Dowdell.

In the third quarter Flames got well on top and in the last they outscored Wickepin 19 goals to nine, the young Flames team progressing to the grand final to with a convincing 50-31 win.

Wagin and Flames face off in the association grand final at 4pm on Saturday.

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