NDNA 2024: Williams go back-to-back in grand final blitz, Cuballing and Wagin crack under pressure

A punishing Williams 1 claimed back-to-back Netball and Districts Netball Association A1 premierships in outstanding fashion, easing past an undermanned Cuballing 1 at the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre on Saturday. Williams were damaging when they had the ball and their front court all fired to clinch a monumental 62-35 victory against a banged-up and ill-disciplined Tigers. The Tigers, who were missing their key centre player Chelsea Ugle who was in Canberra for a school trip, were dealt a severe blow when Telisha Kickett suffered a knee injury in the first minute meaning they had no substitutes for the remainder of the clash. But their bite was just as fierce following their unfortunate start, pulling impeccable rebounds to make for a quick turnover and responding to every Williams goal with their own. Nearing quarter time, Williams scored a flurry of goals, netting six in quick succession to take a 18-12 lead into the first break. The high-intensity match carried into the second quarter with constant back-and-forth goals as the Tigers chased their opponent. Tigers’ goal attack Regina Kickett kept Williams on their toes with impressive goals from all corners of the goal circle. Unfortunately, the Tigers were plagued with another injury when centre Chante Kickett hurt her ankle, but she was forced to soldier until the half-time whistle, where Williams held a six-goal advantage. In the third quarter the Tigers swapped their centre and wing attack after Chante Kickett’s injury and Williams took the opportunity to steal the game from their grasp, powering to a 12-goal lead. Williams’ Denver Henson, Megan Hardie, and Liz Fowler were prolific in the front court with decisive line-breaking passes ensuring they had close looks to the hoop. They refused to slow down, firing up their opponents which earned Jayeisha Ford and Lakkari Kickett suspensions within a minute of each other for intentional contact, leaving only five Tigers on the court near the end of the fourth quarter. Williams vice-captain Abbey McKay was named the most valuable player of the game, the win marking their second on the day following their A2 side’s grand final triumph earlier. Williams president Emma Liddelow said the victory was a true club celebration. “They are such amazing girls to play, they’re a talented team so we knew it would be a hard game,” she said. “I’m really proud of all the girls, we felt so supported by our town and everyone got around us, it was a really amazing day. “The club is ecstatic about winning two premierships two years in a row. “There was such a good energy on the bus home, it’s a club to be proud of they’re all amazing.” Williams 2 had a thrilling start to their game against Wagin 2, setting a fast pace making life tough for their opponents to keep up to take a swift six-goal lead. By the second quarter the pressure became insurmountable for Wagin, as they were forced into constant turnovers allowing the Williams defender Matilda Williams to mop up across the floor. Bella Logie as the Williams goal attack had the hot hand, raising the score to an 11-goal margin by halftime. But a fresh hunger had grown in the Wagin team heading into the third quarter, while Williams seemed to tire out. Kaya Te Kapa in goal attack for Wagin had her eye on the net and scored outstanding goals from both the outer edge of the circle. Despite their grand effort, Williams had already solidified a strong lead which proved unbeatable. Williams played with a smile on their faces in the final minutes as their goals continued to go unanswered on their way to a spectacular 60-38 win. Katherine Barret was awarded the game ball after being named the most valuable player for Williams. “The club’s really grown in the last few years and it feels like a cohesive group of girls,” Liddelow said. “We had a really good season and came together as a club in the end, it’s just amazing.”