Reigning premiers Pingelly remain undefeated after prevailing in grand final rematch over Williams

Pingelly hosted the grand final rematch against Williams in round three of the Narrogin and Districts Netball Association A1 competition at the Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre on Saturday.

The game did not disappoint, with the reigning premiers Pingelly prevailing, 47-44, to remain undefeated.

It was evenly matched and tightly contested over the full four quarters, with Williams bringing a very different line-up to the new season.

The teams went out hard from the first whistle and there was a number of unforced errors until Pingelly settled and scored the first goal.

Both teams showed strength and precision through their mid-court to deliver the ball into the hands of their shooters.

It was a good battle in the mid-court, with Tayla Battley working hard for Williams and Rheannon Turton and Alex Hodges providing consistent drives and feeds for Pingelly.

Pingelly shooter Sheree Blechynden moved freely in the goal circle to keep the defenders on their toes.

Mackenzie Williams had a strong game as goal shooter for Williams, with accurate shooting and a great connection with Akaila Pannell in wing attack.

Pingelly led by two goals at the end of a close first half.

In the second half, Pingelly made some changes at the shooting end, with Katelyn Beard and Leanne Watts donning the goal attack and goal shooter bibs respectively.

Williams goal keeper Clare Hardie brought extra height and added pressure to Pingelly’s shooters and they had to adjust their game play to ensure their side remained in front.

After the third term, Williams had hit the front and went into the final quarter leading by one goal before Pingelly found their stride and scored 14 goals in the last quarter to secure the win.

This year is anyone’s competition and A1 is definitely one to keep an eye on, with hotly contested games such as this one.

It is certainly shaping up to be tight this year, with most games having a final margin of four goals or less. In the other fixtures, Flames 1 defeated Cuballing, 38-36, while Wagin 1 prevailed, 44-20, over Wickepin 1.