Victories for Kinetics and Team Rowley in netball’s first division

Last year’s champions Kinetics overcame stiff resistance from AHS to take their second victory of the netball season, while Team Rowley had a narrow victory over Loungers.

Division 1

AHS 18, Kinetics 35

This match saw an evenly matched first quarter, with the AHS performing well against last year’s champions and keeping the score at 9-6 to Kinetics.

The second quarter was a low scoring affair as AHS worked hard to break down the Kinetics attack and restrict their shooting opportunities with Sasha Wood (WD) man marking and support play out of defence particularly effective.

Kinetics defenders Kristen Jeromson and Andrea Tait were also putting pressure on AHS shooters to good effect. Kinetics lead 13-9 at half time.

The third and fourth quarters saw Kinetics demonstrate the form that made them league winners last season with Kirsti Leask and Sarah Grogan stepping up a gear and converting their shots. AHS players Inga Woods and Sophie Leyland were also in fine form, with strong attacking moves, and looking very dominant on court.

Unfortunately for the AHS, after such a promising first half, scoring did not come easy and they did well to secure half points as Kinetics notched up their second win of the season.

Best on the night were Kirsti Leask for Kinetics and Sophie Leyland for AHS.

Loungers 25, Team Rowley 26

Team Rowley took control as they made a great interception in the mid court to claim the first crucial goal. Loungers started to settle into their first game of the season with shooters Stella Oldbury and Ava Sim working well together in the circle, putting Loungers ahead at the end of the first quarter 8-5.

The second quarter was a more even affair with both teams defending tightly and keeping the scoring opportunities to a minimum. Maisie Unsworth did well at GD for Team Rowley with her well timed interceptions and rebounding ability. Julie Grant had a fantastic game for Loungers at WD as she kept down on her WA and linked well with her attack. The score remained in Loungers’ favour at half time 14-11.

Changes made by both teams in the third quarter had mixed success. Team Rowley were working well as a unit with Lisa Morrison not missing many shots in their shooting circle. Kristen Johnston, making her first appearance for Loungers after being away for two seasons, used her height well to pressurise the shooters. Team Rowley pulled ahead of Loungers, ending the quarter 19-20.

Both teams started the fourth quarter hungry for the win. Great defending again from Louise Moar and Jennifer Thomson for Loungers and Fiona Dally and Unsworth for Team Rowley meant the scores were kept low. Loungers took back control but Team Rowley came right back to even the scores and took the lead just before the final whistle to take the win 25-26.

Players of the match were Julie Grant for Loungers and for Team Rowley Maisie Unsworth.

For division two and three reports and league tables, see this Friday’s Shetland Times.