By Grace Jones | posted on September 29, 2019
IT WAS a full throttle final finish on Saturday for the Albany Netball Association A1 premiership between old rivals Royals Saints 1 and Magpies 1.
After last year’s thrilling finish with Magpies on top by a measly two points, it was only fitting that Royals take the premiership this season by a single point, 38 to 37.
The first half of the game on Sunday had a fairly consistent changeover in leads with Royals and Magpies jostling for a solid domination over the other.
The final half of the match had supporters in raptures as the fast-paced passing and players hurtling themselves down the court got to fever pitch.
Denmark supporters screamed for stronger defence and yelled in jubilation at every point made by the team in black and white.
The final quarter was a nail-biter with each team bringing the score to a draw more than once.
Royals’ Nardia Humphries took a stunning goal late in the piece to bring the team to a one-point lead despite a strong blow to the side of her head from Magpies’ defender Macy Lane.
Royals were up by a point in the dying seconds of the game when Magpies centre Rebecca Goodliffe was awarded a penalty pass, but before she could get her sights in the final buzzer sounded announcing Royals’ premiership win.
Earlier in the day Magpies 4 were named premiers against Kangas 12 during the B1 finals, and Narrikup 9 were victorious over Magpies 5 in the D1 premiership.
