Pints given close run by Nightcliff but retain unbeaten run in fifth round of the Darwin A-grade netball league

PINTS remain unbeaten after narrowly beating a strong Nightcliff side 26-24 in Round 5 of Darwin Netball’s Premier League competition

Tigers goal defence and captain Katie Elmer attempts to stop Pints’ Ashlee Singleton in their Premier League match. Picture: Teuila Te Aho

PINTS remain unbeaten after narrowly beating a strong Nightcliff side 26-24 in Round 5 of Darwin Netball’s Premier League competition on Thursday night.

Neither side gave an inch in defence, with Nightcliff’s Tammie Barton and returning captain Katie Elmer proving strong.

But their efforts were matched by a Pints side which has found success from its defence all season, with strong efforts by Baylee Galbraith and Jasmyn Hewett.

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Pints’ Rachelle Tinning helped open up the Tigers’ defensive block in the third quarter, creating opportunities for her shooters such as Ashlee Singleton.

Coach Chantelle Ayres was relieved with the win given Nightcliff had given her side the closest game this season.

“It was a really tight game with Tigers playing consistently well throughout the game,” Ayres said.

“Pints worked on a number of different combinations before we settled but Rachelle was probably what gave us the advantage from the third quarter.

“She opened up the circle, worked well with the shooters and created opportunities for the attacking end.”

Tigers coach Neil Forsyth noted how close the game was throughout.

“The team worked hard all game and it’s exciting for us to see those combinations continue to build particularly with Katie Elmer back in the side,” he said.

Another tight encounter saw Tracy Village earn a 35-32 win over Hoggies.

The Falcons controlled the first quarter, jumping to a seven-point lead early, with Lauren Plunker making important intercepts.

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Hoggies tightened up from there as Rachelle Smith and Olivia Hatzismalis stepped up under the post.

But despite their efforts the Falcons hung on, with Emma Noblett and Danielle Norris also holding their own for the reigning premiers.