Unst move closer to netball title

Unst moved a step closer to winning netball’s division two title with a hard-fought win over McEwans while Supernova outpointed Lerwick Juniors and Mishaps saw off second-placed Wastside. In the third division there were victories for leaders Da Hooligans and Scallywags.

Division Two Unst 36, McEwans 27 This fixture is always a close match, played at a furious pace, and again it did not disappoint.

Both teams started well with end- to-end play and some good shooting. Unst settled quicker and took advantage of some good interceptions and rebounds to lead 11-6 at the end of the first quarter.

McEwans brought on Alison Williamson at GA and together with great support play around the shooting circle from Maggie Kay and Eileen Robertson, came back strongly. However, Unst battled hard to stay in contention and the half-time score was 17-12.

McEwans came out very determined this quarter but tough defensive play from Unst’s Martha Clark and Karen Priest made life hard for the McEwans shooters. Together with some great link-up play from Jenny Richardson and Shona Johnson in the centre court Unst maintained the lead 26-20.

The final quarter began with a rush of goals for McEwans, reducing the gap to just three points. The Unst shooters responded and Claire Priest and Alana Johnson found their range again, even managing to extend their lead. The final score flattered the home team as it was a much closer game than 36-27 would reflect.

Players of the match were Claire Priest for Unst and Alison Williamson for McEwans.

Lerwick Juniors 18, Supernova 29 Supernova started stronger with fast play and some steals from Lerwick’s centre passes, leaving them 9-3 ahead at the end of the first quarter.

During the second quarter Lerwick started to settle and showed some good play up the court with their shooters on target. Supernova built on the lead, however, bringing the score at half time to 15-7.

Throughout the third quarter Supernova showed their experience as a team and stepped up the pace. The Lerwick defensive duo of Katie McMillan and Alice Unsworth worked well but Supernova shooters Liz Haining and Marianne Williamson were on top form, finishing the quarter 23-9 in the lead.

Lerwick took to the court in the last quarter determined to get points. It was their best quarter of the game with good passing and defending throughout. Supernova showed accurate play though and emerged as winners.

Players of the match were Katie McMillan and Alice Unsworth for Lerwick Juniors and Liz Haining for Supernova.

Mishaps 49, Wastside 32 The game started evenly with Wastside matching Mishaps goal for goal. Wastside were particularly focused as only six players had taken to the court. This did not dampen their spirits, however, and they put up a good fight to be only 12-8 down at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Mishaps come into their own with great defending from Caroline Carroll and Megan Keppie putting pressure on the Wastside shooters Mhari Moncrieff and Julie Keith. Mishaps shooters Leanne Tait and Alicia Hunter were consistently on target and they managed to pull ahead to 29-15.

In the third quarter Wastside still did not let their heads drop and clawed back some goals, but it was the centre court play and accurate passing that kept Mishaps in the lead. The quarter ended 41-24.

The final quarter saw more goal for goal play as Wastside continued to do exceptionally well with just six players. But it was Suzanne Manson and Lara Thompson who continued to pass strongly into the circle and help keep the lead in a very enjoyable game.

Players of the match for Wastside were Julie Crossan and Kirsten Anderson while for Mishaps Suzanne Manson and Megan Keppie stood out.

Wastside deserve credit for putting up a great fight with six players and should be commended for such a good effort in this game.

Division Three Scallywags 38, Burra 23 The game started with both teams in good spirits and eager for a win, Burra winning the first quarter 5-3.

The second quarter saw goal for goal with great all-round play. Caroline Tait and Heather Henry were defending the Burra circle well, while Dana Watt and Naomi Johnson of Scallywags made it just as difficult for the Burra shooters The second half started 12-11 to Scallywags with all to play for. Scallywags’ Nicola Smith and Gwen Malcolmson were running endlessly in the centre court while being tightly marked by Joanne Anderson and Marie Sharp for Burra.

The last quarter saw Scallywags pull ahead with an impressive 15 goals which ended Burra’s chances. It was a friendly game with players of the match being Cyndi Pottinger for Scallywags and Kelly Edwards for Burra. Ness 19, Da Hooligans 38 The Hooligans quickly proved to be the stronger team, linking well with accurate shooting by Caroline Shearer and Lara Kay. Meanwhile Ness struggled to keep possession of the ball due to constant interceptions, giving Da Hooligans an 11-2 lead as the first quarter ended.

Ness came back on and seemed more settled. However, Da Hooligans continued to pass every available ball into the circle where both shooters were on target. Ness achieved a few more goals in this quarter due to some good passes in the centre third by Hazel Bairnson and Elizabeth Williamson. It was still a clear struggle against strong defenders Tammy Anderson and Kerry Nicolson, however, which was reflected in Da Hooligans’ 18-7 lead.

At half time Da Hooligans made some changes to their team. This resulted in their passing speeding up and good movement by centre Zoe Irvine saw any weak passes snatched up and taken full advantage of. Ness remained positive and tried some shorter passes in an attempt to break through Da Hooligans defence. The third quarter finished 27-12 to Da Hooligans.

The final quarter saw many more goals for Da Hooligans, due to the fact that Ness were unable to intercept the fast accurate passes. Ness, however, managed to achieve seven more goals of their own, taking their final tally of 19 halfway to the Hooligans total. Players of the match were Elizabeth Williamson for Ness and Zoe Irvine for Da Hooligans.

DIVISION TWO P W D L Pts Unst 8 8 0 0 24 Wastside 7 5 0 2 17 Supernova 9 4 0 5 16 McEwans 8 3 0 5 14 Mishaps 6 2 0 4 9 Lk Juniors 6 0 0 6 4 DIVISION THREE P W D L Pts Da Hooligans 7 6 1 0 20 Mavericks 7 5 1 1 18 Ness 8 3 1 4 15 Scallywags 8 2 0 5 13 Scal Juniors 6 2 0 4 9 Burra 8 1 1 6 8