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NDNA 2025: Williams’ chance at a third premiership secured after avalanche victory against Wickepin in prelim

Maddie PetchellNarrogin Observer
Wickepin’s Bella Budby defends Williams’ Bella Logie.
Camera IconWickepin’s Bella Budby defends Williams’ Bella Logie. Credit: Hannah Whitehead

Williams emerged victorious in the Narrogin and Districts Netball Association A1 preliminary final, beating Wickepin 73-26 to advance to the grand final against Wagin and keep their title three-peat hopes alive.

After Wickepin won the most recent encounter between the teams during the home-and-away season, a close game was expected, but Williams came out strongly and continued across a consistent four quarters to take a 47-goal win.

The game was closely contested by both teams in the first quarter, with Williams leading by only one goal five minutes in.

Williams’ Hannah Sherry defends Wickepin’s Georgia Dawes.
Camera IconWilliams’ Hannah Sherry defends Wickepin’s Georgia Dawes. Credit: Hannah Whitehead

The immense pressure of Williams defenders Denver Henson and Jaimee Medlen made it difficult for young Wickepin shooters Abbey Steere and Georgia Dawes to find the rhythm they had displayed so beautifully in recent games.

At the other end, Williams shooters Clare Hardie and Bella Logie converted their opportunities with accuracy.

Kaitlyn Hoy in wing defence for Williams had a dominant quarter, and Bella Budby, at goal defence for Wickepin, showed her talent with timely interceptions as Williams led 15-5.

Wickepin’s Bella Budby and Williams’ Bella Logie hug after the preliminary match.
Camera IconWickepin’s Bella Budby and Williams’ Bella Logie hug after the preliminary match. Credit: Hannah Whitehead

Williams’ mid-court continued their work rate in the second quarter with a great connection between Liz Fowler and Sienna McDonald, extending their lead to 35-14 at half-time.

After half-time, Hardie came out strongly to shoot the first 10 goals of the quarter, helping Williams race away to an 18-3 quarter.

Williams’ Liz Fowler takes a centre pass.
Camera IconWilliams’ Liz Fowler takes a centre pass. Credit: Hannah Whitehead

The final quarter saw Wickepin’s Dakoda Bolton Black move into wing attack, where she provided attacking drive, while Samantha Harvey continued to work hard in wing defence for Wickepin.

Highlights of the game included seeing the three 16-year-olds, Logie, Bella Budby and Steere all play important roles for their teams.

An intriguing grand final awaits.

Wagin have been undefeated all season, with no team getting close to them.

But Williams are hitting form at the right end of the season, and the grand final shapes up to be an exciting, fast-paced and physical game.

Wickepin’s Sam Harvey passes.
Camera IconWickepin’s Sam Harvey passes. Credit: Hannah Whitehead
Wickepin’s Sam Harvey stands out of play and Williams’ Kaitlyn Hoy passes.
Camera IconWickepin’s Sam Harvey stands out of play and Williams’ Kaitlyn Hoy passes. Credit: Hannah Whitehead
Williams’ Bella Logie passes.
Camera IconWilliams’ Bella Logie passes. Credit: Hannah Whitehead
Williams’ Clare Hardie shoots.
Camera IconWilliams’ Clare Hardie shoots. Credit: Hannah Whitehead
Williams’ Kaitlyn Hoy passes.
Camera IconWilliams’ Kaitlyn Hoy passes. Credit: Hannah Whitehead
Williams’ Liz Fowler defends.
Camera IconWilliams’ Liz Fowler defends. Credit: Hannah Whitehead
Williams’ Bella Logie shoots.
Camera IconWilliams’ Bella Logie shoots. Credit: Hannah Whitehead
Williams and Wickepin players hug at the end of the preliminary match.
Camera IconWilliams and Wickepin players hug at the end of the preliminary match. Credit: Hannah Whitehead
Williams’ Liz Fowler takes a centre pass.
Camera IconWilliams’ Liz Fowler takes a centre pass. Credit: Hannah Whitehead
Wickepin’s Abby Steere shoots.
Camera IconWickepin’s Abby Steere shoots. Credit: Hannah Whitehead

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