Kinetics march on with win over AHS
NETBALL first division strugglers Supernova were heavily defeated by Loungers this week, while AHS put up a brave effort before succumbing to league leaders Kinetics. The division two matches saw wins for McEwans, Da Hooligans, Wastside and Unst while Mavericks triumphed in the third division.
Division One
Loungers 45, Supernova 15
The game began with Loungers dominating possession. Their fast and well-linked play made it difficult for Supernova to break their rhythm and the first quarter ended 16-1.
In the second quarter Supernova came on with more determination and were able to take advantage of some Loungers mistakes thanks to great interceptions by Laura Matheson. The Supernova shooters got more of a chance to score, despite the tight marking of Loungers defenders Jennifer Thomson and Vicki Henderson.
Accurate passing by Hazel Uren and Julie Grant into their attacking circle allowed Loungers to continue to storm ahead in the third quarter. Even with perfect shooting by Stephanie Keith, Supernova were unable to catch up with the more experienced Loungers team.
In the final quarter Loungers made some changes, Hazel Uren replacing Vicki Henderson in defence and Paula Sinclair moving out of the circle into WA. Good play from Hannah Burgess benefited Supernova but the Loungers shooters were on top form.
Players of the match were Stephanie Keith and Hannah Burgess for Supernova and Diane Thomson and Jennifer Thomson for Loungers.
Kinetics 45, AHS 26
This was an important game for Kinetics, who were keen to increase their lead at the top. AHS, meanwhile, were hoping to make an upset, and close the gap on Whalsay.
The match got off to an incredible start, played at an extremely past face. The first eight minutes were goal for goal before Kinetics began to settle and stretch ahead slightly.
The Kinetics defence of Emma Gray (GD), Louise Kelly (GK) and Cheryl Simpson (WD) were making life difficult for the AHS shooters, and AHS were forced to play the ball around the circle before managing to get their shots away.
At the other end, however, it was two passes into the circle where Sarah Grogan and Kirsti Leask were not missing the target. After the first quarter Kinetics led 11-6.
The second quarter saw Kinetics keen to lengthen their goal tally. Louise Fraser was introduced at WA but unfortunately, through injury, was forced to retire.
AHS took advantage and good play by Sophie-May Leyland (WD), Louise Birnie (GK) and Emma Leask (GD) made the Kinetics attack using short balls into and around the circle. The score at this end stood at 22-11 in Kinetics’ favour.
AHS made a few changes in the third quarter, Leyland switching to centre and Inga Woods to WD. This appeared to increase the pace of the game once more, as they used their athleticism to outplay their “older” counterparts.
This did not appear to deter Kinetics as they also stepped up a gear. Positive, flowing netball saw Grogan and Leask extend their tally by another 11 goals and Kinetics led 33-19 at the end.
Kinetics started in the fourth with a changed line-up and this proved to be the best quarter for both teams. AHS were keen to close the gap and took advantage of Kinetics’ slow start. They broke the Kinetics centre passes for the first time in the match and scored five in a row.
That was enough to kick Kinetics into gear, as they had taken their foot off the gas somewhat. Good support play around the circle from Shearer (C) and Grogan (WA) gave Gray further chances and Kinetics had a 19-point lead by the end.
Sophie-May Leyland stood out for AHS, showing great athleticism. For Kinetics it was Emma Gray who was given best player for her diversity of positioning on the court.
Division Two
McEwans 53, Da Hooligans 20
No report was submitted.
Da Hooligans 36, McEwans 30
Da Hooligans were determined, after their defeat by McEwans in the previous game, to at least gain a point. They took to the floor with determination and their defence, especially Shelley Sandison, made crucial interceptions to create stealing chances for her shooters to capitalise on. Da Hooligans led 9-33 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter the McEwans began to settle. Maggie Irvine played strong at centre, Joanne Stewart switched from defence to GA and she and GS Leona Williamson hardly missed a goal. However, Da Hooligans kept their heads to stay ahead at 17-14.
Both teams made substitutions and changes to their teams at half time. McEwans brought the score level twice but Da Hooligans fought hard and the quarter finished 26-21 in their favour.
The final quarter saw no let up in the fast and exciting play. The McEwans would pull back to within a few goals but GS Caroline Shearer remained very calm and continued to score consistently for Da Hooligans.
Players of the match were Caroline Shearer for Da Hooligans and Joanne Stewart fior McEwans.
Mishaps 30, Wastside 39
Both teams were determined and not much separated them as the first quarter finished 9-7 to Wastside.
The second quarter saw some particularly good defending from both Marie Moar (GK) and Elaine Jamieson (GD) of Mishaps. However, Catherine Henry (GS) and Mhairi Moncrieff (GA) of Wastside were able to push their accurate shooting, keeping Wastside in the lead at 17-15. In the third quarter Mishaps’ Ann-Marie Goudie (C) and Suzanne Manson (WA) worked well together with accurate passing and good movement around the court. However, Mishaps were unable to close the gap, with both Alison Hunter (GD) and Monica Manson (GK) shooting and winning every rebound. Wastside took a nine-goal lead in this quarter.
The final quarter saw strong determination from both sides, particularly Jennifer Manson of Mishaps (WD) who won a lot of interceptions. Mishaps were unable to close down on Wastside resulting in a well-deserved victory.
Players of the match for Mishaps were Suzanne Manson and Ann-Marie Goudie for their strong centre court play. Wastside’s Alison Hunter stood out with her solid performance in defence.
Da Hooligans 26, Unst 33
The first quarter saw Unst storm into action with strong determined play. Shooters Claire Priest (GS) and Linda Thomson (GA) linked well and scored consistently and Unst led 13-1.
Da Hooligans’ grit in the second quarter stood them in good stead and Valerie Sales hardly missed a goal. Unst remained tough though and had a 22-11 lead at half time.
The third quarter saw Da Hooligans grow in confidence as they began to pull back. Lara Kay fought hard at GA, supporting GS Valerie Sales with accurate passing into the circle. However, just as they looked to be taking command of the match Unst would rise to the challenge, upping their game with Alice Mullay maintaining strong support as centre. The quarter finished with Da Hooligans narrowing the gap to 26-21.
The final quarter saw both teams play tough netball throughout, with end-to-end play and neither team willing to yield to the other. Unst were seven goals ahead at the final whistle.
Players of the match were Shelley Sandison and Valerie Sales for Da Hooligans and Alice Mullay for Unst.
Division Three
Scallywags 20, Mavericks 32
A fast-paced game saw Mavericks take the lead with accurate passing into the circle through Ali Elphinstone and Alana Sinclair. Scallywags settled but tight defending from Ashley Burgess and Lisa Smith ensured Scallywags had to fight for every ball.
At the end of both the second and third quarters Mavericks led by two goals but Scallywags were still determined to turn this around. The final quarter saw Mavericks make key changes, moving Hazel Aitken to GK and Ali Elphinstone back to C. This led to Mavericks being able to make quick passes to an on-fire Chloe Miller at GS who missed nothing and left Scallywags having to work tirelessly in mid-court to get balls into their circle with Hazel Aitken and Amanda Gray giving shooters Anne-Marie Robinson and Cyndi Pottinger no opportunities to score.
Players of the match were Chloe Miller taking the honours for Mavericks and Naomi Johnson and Gwen Malcolmson standing out for Scallywags.
County trials
Shetland Ladies Netball Association is holding senior inter-county trials at Clickimin Leisure on 23rd November, 30th November and 7th December from 5.15pm to 6.45pm.
All players aged 16 and over are welcome to attend. Players must attend at least two out of the three dates to be considered for the squads. If you have any questions contact Louise Fraser (01595) 741271.
