It was the combined efforts from shooter Maddie Taylor and goal attack Rhiannon Stokes in the third quarter of the match that saw Wests’ top side streak ahead.

Emma Prince and Leilani Soli also shone under the net for the defending champions as coach Tracy Baggs continues to rotate her offensive partnerships.

“To win the competition you need many options and to have a deep bench,” Baggs explained. “It depends on the teams … but it means we can change up that frontline.”

“With BNC it’s important to break their run of play. When I brought [Taylor] on and moved [Stokes] to goal attack … it’s difficult to defend two tall players.”

Wests were also defensively strong, with goal keeper Kimberly Goodearl denying BNC a chance to get on a goal-run to answer the shooters on the other end of the court.

In the early fixture on Saturday Nova Thunder stayed just ahead of Maryville Tavern Alize, claiming the competition points with a tight 37-32 victory.

Later, Souths Lions kept hot on West 1’s heels with a 56-42 win over Forsythes Business Advisors, while Souths Pride fell to West Leagues Balance 2, 51-38.

The 13-point win marks their first in the championship, with shooting combination Kelly Wilson and Tarsha Hawley key for the newcomers. Wing attack Krystal Dallinger was also highlighted as integral to controlling the tempo of the match.

Ladder: Wests 1 (9), Lions (9), Nova (9), Wests 2 (7), BNC Whanau (7), Forsythes (5), Pride (5), Maryville Tavern (5).