Home

Panthers pounce to beat Olympics in round three of the Narrogin and Districts Netball Association season

Holli HansonNarrogin Observer
Williams’ Abbi Battley looks for options as Flames’ Jessica Daniels defends.
Camera IconWilliams’ Abbi Battley looks for options as Flames’ Jessica Daniels defends. Credit: Emma Taylor

With a shortened and condensed Narrogin and Districts Netball Association A1 competition involving four teams, there has been lots of unpredictability and excitement in the opening few rounds.

This continued on Friday night when Olympics Gold challenged Pingelly 1 in a tense first quarter of their round-three clash.

Pingelly’s Rheannon Turton played a strong defensive centre role against Olympics’ Melita Davey, with both players highlighting their fitness and skill.

Olympics’ Jaelyn Ranieri shot with confidence and accuracy, but strong defence wins games.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW
Williams’ Maddy Petchell tries to get past Flames’ Lucille Iles.
Camera IconWilliams’ Maddy Petchell tries to get past Flames’ Lucille Iles. Credit: Emma Taylor

When Melissa Tinker took the wing-defence bib for the second quarter, with Leigh Jennings at goal defence and Chloe Hanson as goal keeper, the Panthers defensive unit pounced on every opportunity, stinging Olympics with any slight error.

Pingelly’s collective team effort helped them continue to build their lead for the remainder of the game, cementing their successful dogged brand of play, as they went on to win 45-37 at the final whistle.

Saturday’s match between the undefeated Williams 1 and the winless Flames 1 had a slower and more measured start.

Williams’ Clare Hardie.
Camera IconWilliams’ Clare Hardie. Credit: Emma Taylor

Flames’ Amelia Sherry in centre and Chelsea Mulcahy at goal attack combined well to transition the defensive wins and convert as their side opened up a five-goal lead at half time.

Williams goal defender Lauren Schutz and goal attack Megan Hardie showed their strength with great leadership.

Flames’ Chelsea Mulcahy looks for options.
Camera IconFlames’ Chelsea Mulcahy looks for options. Credit: Emma Taylor

The physicality of Williams’ third-quarter defence saw Flames shooters retreat, as Williams punished their opponents with each missed scoring opportunity to take a 12-goal advantage into the last change.

While Flames worked hard to stage a comeback in the final quarter, Williams’ relentless efforts were rewarded with an 18-goal victory, 51-33.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails