NDNA 2025: Indigenous round sees A1 upset, and two tough battles for junior division's top sides
The Shire of Narrogin supported the NDNA through their Community Chest Grant, and they presented an afternoon of sensational netball that showcased two exciting games, Indigenous club stars presentations, and art and culture from local Noongar community members.
The junior division 1 fixture was a top-of-the-table clash between Cuballing 2 and Olympics Teal, which from the first whistle was a fast-paced encounter synonymous with how the top players, with sharp shooters Horriekeesha Williams and Isabella Corasaniti giving value to their respective teams' mid-court efforts by keeping the score line tight.
Bailey Pike was a workhorse for the Olympics at goal defence, and Tenisha Harper continued to have an impact for the girls in navy.
Still, the defensive pressure from Cuballing 2, led by the talented Chelsea Ugle who continued giving her attacking players plenty of opportunity, grew, and Cuballing led 21-11 during the long break.
Lakkari Kickett returned to the attack for Cuballing in the second half, bringing a steady consistency.
Again, exceptional defence by Ugle and supported beautifully by Mia Riley allowed Cuballing 2 to break the game open and pull away with a strong win 46–28.
Most Valuable Player and game ball were awarded to Ugle, and MVP for Olympics Teal was their hardworking goal defence Pike.
Game two was a tantalising match-up between Cuballing 1 and Flames Firecrackers, which treated the crowd again to a battle between the top teams in the A2 division.
Flames' goal attack Claudia Rourke was up and about early, scoring at her typical efficiency, and she was seeing plenty of action due to the exciting defence provided by Nikita Osgood.
Marjorie Ugle was impressive in goal shooter for the Cuballing team, with not one missed shot by her in that first period, meaning Flames were up by the slimmest of margins at the first break.
A move by Flames to put their tall timber Liana Handcock down into goal shooter proved to be a fruitful one as her height caused some headaches for the Cuballing defence and they pulled away for a 32-35 lead at the long break.
In a move to match the height of Handcock, Marjorie Ugle was swung from goal shooter down to goal keeper with immediate effect.
She was joined down there by her younger sister Chelsea, and the Ugle girls started showing dominance.
Chante Kickett was a steady presence in front of goals fed beautifully by Lakkari Kickett as Cuballing stepped on the gas in the third, piling on 13 goals to Flames' five to lead going into the last quarter.
Despite a late charge by Flames led by Rourke, Cuballing 1 came away with the win 54-41.
Most valuable player and game ball was awarded to Marjorie Ugle and MVP for Flames was Nakita Osgood.
In other games, there was an upset out at Wickepin in the A1 competition as a fierce Wickepin 1 team led by young shooter Abbey Steere, who had an exceptional day under the ring, beat Williams 1 by four goals in a sensational game.
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