NDNA 2023: Wagin’s Faith Mcnab and Courtney Webb dominate in 21-goal victory over Wickepin

Wickepin faced off against Wagin at home in round three of the Narrogin and Districts Netball Association A1 competition on Saturday.

Wickepin 1 competed in the A2 competition taking out the grand final in 2022 and it was the first time the teams had met in two years.

With both sides displaying new talent there was no clear favourite heading into the match, but in the end Wagin outlasted Wickepin, 58-37.

After a strong warm-up Wickepin came out firing in the first quarter, rattling Wagin’s attack.

Within the first few minutes the defensive pressure from Helen Wyatt and Hilary Wittwer enabled them to force Wagin turnovers.

Wickepin’s shooters Tyler Steere and Meg Conway were able to capitalise on these turnovers edging away on the scoreboard and at one point the Wickepin lead was six goals.

Wagin, however, were able to remain composed and fought back ending the quarter down by three goals.

Heading into the second quarter Wickepin’s line-up remained the same but Wagin made some minor changes.

Wickepin’s shooters remained strong and continued to display consistency, however, with the change-up of Faith McNab coming into goal defence, she displayed outstanding pressure down the court and in the defensive circle.

Working in tandem with teammate Kiana Roser, they were able to make some useful intercepts that were conveniently converted into goals and by half-time Wagin had closed the gap and were in front by three goals.

With such a small difference between scores at the start of the third quarter the game could have gone either way.

It was a fast-paced game and the ball was quickly moving from one end to the other.

Kelly Steere was strong for Wickepin in wing attack during the first and second quarters but with a minor injury forcing a teammate to come off, she moved into centre for the second half of the game.

Steere continued to stand out through the middle with her versatility of attacking and defensive pressure, along with the support of her teammates.

Wagin’s whole court presence was notable and they continued to build momentum throughout the quarter forcing multiple turnovers that were converted into goals, expanding the gap to eight goals at the end of the third quarter.

Heading into the final quarter Courtney Webb, who had played three impressive quarters in goal attack, was moved into centre and she continued to be a huge presence on the court setting up passages of play and taking strong intercepts.

Wickepin fought for the remainder of the game but they were unable to stop their opposition from finishing the game strong as Wagin emerged as winners.

Deservedly the best players of the match were Wagin’s McNab and Webb with Wickepin gun Kelly Steere rounding out the votes.

In the other games Williams 1 won on forfeit against Cuballing 1 while Olympics Gold and Pingelly 1 have been rescheduled to June 1.