Joy for Whalsay and Hooligans
The winners of the first and third divisions of the netball leagues were settled last week, Whalsay capturing the top tier trophy and Da Hooligans triumphing in the lower division.
Division One
Kinetics v AHS
AHS were awarded the points as Kinetics could not field a team.
Whalsay 45, Challengers 36
A nervous Whalsay team were under pressure as this game could see them win the league. Challengers came out with all guns blazing and were the first to score and were up four goals.
The strength of the Challengers defence, Dianne Thomson and Linda Irvine, made it hard for Whalsay to score. Whalsay started to settle and with good shooting from June Williamson they evened the score, ending the first quarter 10-10 ahead.
The second quarter was well matched with both sides showing determination with end to end play ending 24-24.
Whalsay made some team changes seeing Catherine Irvine play her last game. Challengers stepped up a gear with excellent shooting from Louise Johnson and fast, accurate passing from Heather Williamson saw them pull ahead at 35 -31.
Whalsay dominated the last quarter despite Challengers’ valiant efforts to maintain their lead. Whalsay’s defence of Sarah Kay, Natalie Polson and Victoria Duthie made it very difficult for the Challengers attack. Whalsay’s strong mid-court play from Catherine Williamson and Beth Eunson saw some exceptional passing into Vaila Kay as she flew into the circle rarely missing a shot.
Players of the match were Catherine Williamson for Whalsay and Louise Johnson for Challengers.
Division Two
Mishaps 34, Supernova 39
This final fixture for both these teams proved to be an exciting encounter, which could have seen either team emerge victorious.
Mishaps looked determined from the start and through excellent shooting by Alicia Hunter and Leanne Tait managed to end the first period with a lead of 11-6.
Supernova dug deep in the second quarter. Mishaps were finding goals more difficult as several balls swilled the hoop but rebounded into the hands of Supernova. Hannah Burgess found space and swiftly moved the ball back down the court to Supernova’s Liz Haining and Lois Gray who were both shooting well. Supernova pulled back the score to 18-all by half time.
Mishaps came out more determined than ever in the second half, centre Lara Thomason covering the whole court tirelessly, making vital interceptions and feeding excellent balls into her shooters. The Mishaps defence continued to mark well, with Megan Keppie and Katie Farnworth pouncing on weak passes. The third quarter saw Mishaps nudge ahead at 28-27.
Although the encounter could have gone either way, Mishaps have only themselves to blame as they handed victory to Supernova in the final quarter. Unforced errors in passing were quickly grabbed by Supernova and converted into goals. Although they tried to dig deep, Mishaps could not break the momentum of Supernova’s play from their centre passes, losing out 34-39.
The closing game was a keenly contested fixture, played in good competitive spirit, well umpired by Valerie Morrison and Louise Moar. Players of the match were youngsters Hannah Burgess for Supernova and Megan Keppie and Katie Farnworth of Mishaps.
Wastside 37, Lerwick Juniors 31
Wastside won the toss for first centre and scored from it. Lerwick Juniors soon returned a goal and the game was closely contested with Wastside having the edge but Lerwick Juniors staying in touch.
Wastside had their best quarter of the game in the second, moving fast and linking improved passes. Pauline Walterson for Wastside also made many interceptions, which created some excellent chances for their players to attack. In the Wastside circle the two Lerwick junior defenders, Alice Unsworth and Katie MacMillan, marked well and made it hard for the Wastside attack. Wastside held on to their lead and won the match by six points.
Mhari Moncrieff was player of the match for Wastside and Alice Unsworth and Katie MacMillan took the title for Lerwick Juniors.
Division Three
Mavericks 21, Scalloway Juniors 33
Scalloway Juniors, looking well organised, took an early lead and by half time Mavericks were trailing 16-7.
The Mavericks, who were missing two of their regular shooters, found it difficult to deliver the ball to shooter Chloe Miller, despite their best efforts, while Scalloway looked confident throughout. Karen Bannister worked hard while shooters Rowan Nicolson and Julie Brown continued to notch up the score.
At the start of the last quarter Mavericks pulled together and with a final push, played their best quarter of the game. Ashley Burgess for Mavericks was now settled and looking assertive in her new role as GA but Mavericks were unable to put themselves back in contention and Scalloway finished as the victors.
Players of the match were Chloe Miller for Mavericks and Karen Bannister for Scalloway Juniors.
Da Hooligans 30, Ness 20
Both teams settled quickly and the play was very evenly matched with each side converting their own centre passes for goals.
The Ness shooters were unlucky on a couple of occasions and Da Hooligans’ defenders were quick to snatch the rebounds, which helped them finish the first quarter 10-6 ahead.
The second quarter saw Da Hooligans turn up the heat and the play was fast and furious. Vicky Irvine played extremely strongly at WD to spur her side on and they were able to win the quarter to lead 19-9.
In the third quarter Ness took command of the game, eating away at Da Hooligans’ lead through some excellent defending and mid-court play. Ness’s Caroline Wood remained calm to score some crucial goals and Da Hooligans finished the third quarter with the lead narrowed to seven goals at 24-17.
The final quarter saw Da Hooligans remain calm, knowing they needed a win to be sure of top spot in the division. They converted their centre passes and were able to intercept a few balls to extend their lead. Ness never gave up and fought very hard to the end.
Players of the match were Vicky Irvine for Da Hooligans and Caroline Wood for Ness.
