Strong second half guides Pingelly to fifth win of 2021 Narrogin and Districts Netball Association A1 season

Pingelly claimed their fifth win of the Narrogin and Districts Netball Association A1 competition in thrilling fashion against bottom-placed Williams on Friday night.

The reigning premiers knew not to underestimate any team in this year’s competition, and it was no different in their round-eight fixture, with Williams up for the challenge.

With both teams missing key players, it was always going to be a tight game, and Pingelly were able to prevail by one goal in a tense contest.

Pingelly started the match strongly, but Williams came back fighting.

Questionable passing and a lack of strong attacking drives cost Pingelly early on, while Williams’ attacking end combined nicely and helped them lead 14-11 at the first break.

Williams continued to play great netball, maintaining their lead and making Pingelly work hard to remain in the game.

The underdogs held the lead for the entire match and had pushed the margin to four goals at half-time.

But Pingelly found another gear in the last quarter, with good ball movement and accurate shooting ensuring they converted on turnovers to gain the lead.

Pingelly tried something different by putting Ang Ryan into goal defence and it helped them gain an advantage over Williams, with Ryan putting pressure on Megan Hardie, who had been unstoppable throughout the match.

Despite Williams leading for much of the match, Pingelly were in front when it mattered most and emerged eventual winners 58-57.

In the weekend’s other fixture, Wickepin notched their fourth win of the season to boost their finals chances after finishing 38-35 winners over Wagin.

The game between Flames and Cuballing is yet to be played.