NDNA 2024: Cuballing top Williams in top-of-the-table clash to clinch A1 minor premiership in Indigenous Round

Cuballing claimed the A1 minor premiership as Narrogin and Districts Netball Association hosted its annual Indigenous Round at the weekend to celebrate the culture and heritage of its Indigenous players.

On Friday night, local elder Basil Kickett conducted a welcome to country followed by speeches from president Vicki Chadwick, NDNA Aboriginal liaison officer Jackie Hill, and A1 coach Regina Kickett.

The junior division one game between Waves and Cuballing was an extremely tight contest, as matches between these two have been for many years.

Waves dominated the first quarter and established a lead of eight goals at quarter-time, with several important intercepts from centre court player Mia Schilling and accurate shooting from Sienna Epworth.

Cuballing settled into the game from this point, with strong performances from Lakkari Kickett and Marjorie Ugle in goals, and clawed the margin back to be an even game until the final minute.

Waves held steady and came away with the win with the smallest of margins, 45-44.

The 7.30pm time slot had A1 players on the courts in all games to decide final ladder positions for the regular fixtures.

Ladder leaders Williams 1 took on second-placed Cuballing 1 to determine the minor premiers.

The game was fast-paced from the first whistle.

Cuballing made the stronger start, with defenders Taya Olman and Jayeisha Ford slowing the Williams attack and rebounding strongly, giving Cuballing a 10-8 lead after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Cuballing shot more accurately, with Regina Kickett unstoppable in goal attack to extend the lead to 22-15.

For the rest of the game, Williams 1 brought Denver Henson into goals which proved the difference, working well with Megan Hardie to control the Cuballing defenders.

Cuballing went on to claim the minor premiership in the A1 competition with a 46-37 triumph.

A win by Olympics Gold over Wickepin in the A1 competition was not enough for them to sneak into the top four but provided a strong finish to their season.

On the A2 ladder, Wagin 2 claimed top spot over Williams 2, with a very small percentage separating the two teams, and the A3 competition finished with Wickepin 2 claiming the minor premiership.

The JD1 competition had Olympics Teal finish the season unbeaten to claim top spot on the ladder.

Finals start on Friday night with the A2 qualifying final between Wagin 2 and Williams 2 which is sure to be a thriller, followed by the junior division one elimination final between Cuballing 2 and Wagin 4.

Saturday games start at 11am with the junior division one qualifying final between Olympics Teal and Waves 3, followed by Cuballing 1 taking on Williams 1 in the A1, Waves 2 and Flames 1 in the A2, Pingelly and Wagin at 2pm and Olympics Royals taking on Williams 3 in the final game to round out the semifinals.