Unst netball girls off to a good start
Division One
Unst 40, Supernova 22
Unst came out looking forward to their first game back after the Christmas break and the addition of the top second division teams to their league. Newly promoted Supernova had a full team with plenty of fresh legs on the bench waiting to go on court. It took time for both teams to get into the game and only in the later quarters did we see everyone begin to play their best netball.
After the first break Unst were up 10-7 and both teams were defending well, determined to make any loose passes theirs. For Supernova Laura Mathewson (GK) used her height well, picking up any rebounds in the circle with Liz Haining (GA) linking the play well from defence up into her circle. There were still a few scrappy moments but the Unst team were finding their form and extended their lead to 21-10.
The game began to settle down in the third quarter and Supernova took the opportunity to introduce new players to the court. Lisa Haining came on at WA and made an impact on the game with strong determined play in the centre third supporting the tireless work of Sarah Groat at centre. The Unst attack continued to challenge the Supernova defence with Alice Mullay (C) and Megan Burns (WA) producing excellent passes into the circle, quickly converted into goals by the young Unst shooters.
The match remained competitive right until the final whistle but Unst came out on top 40-22 producing an excellent team performance so soon after the Christmas break.
Man of the match awards went to Alice Mullay for Unst and Sarah Groat for Supernova, both for their hard work and excellent play throughout the whole match.
Wastside v Kinetics
Kinetics were awarded the points as Wastside failed to field a team.
Challengers v Loungers
No report was submitted.
Division Two
Tingwall 18, Mishaps 42
This was Tingwall’s first match against a second division team. The game started well for Tingwall with them opening the scoring. Mishaps started putting the pressure on early and with tight play from their defence the Tingwall team struggled to settle and were having difficulty getting passes into the shooters.
Mishaps continued in the second quarter with good strong passing and excellent shooting from Leanne Tait and Marie Manson. The Tingwall defence tried hard but were unable to stop goals being scored. The third quarter saw some good interception from both teams, but especially the Mishaps’ defence, winning rebounds and sending the ball back up court to the waiting shooters who continued to net most of their attempts on goal. Tingwall came more into the game during the last quarter with sharp, accurate passing and good team play. With better linking especially in the centre court, the Tingwall attack got some good goals but were unable to make much of an impact on the stronger team. Players of the match were Jennifer Wadley for Tingwall and shooters Leanne Tait and Marie Manson for Mishaps.
Burra 32, Da McEwans 58
Da McEwans were quick to settle into their game with accurate passing and shooting. Burra were left trailing 9-19 at the end of the first quarter.
Da McEwans were able to build on their lead in the second quarter with Shona Moncrieff and Maggie Kay linking well. Their shooters, Emily Shearer (GS) and Joanne Stewart (GA), rarely missed the target.
The third quarter was Burra’s strongest of the match. All players were working hard to redress the balance. Heather Henry (GA) and Bethany Laurenson (GS) scored some excellent goals. Despite this effort, Burra ended the quarter with a 20 goal deficit, the score 27-47 in Da McEwans’ favour.
Burra continued to fight for the ball throughout the final quarter, however Da McEwans proved to be the better players with a final score of 32-58.
Players of the match were Kristan Robertson (C) for Burra and Shona Moncrieff (GD) for Da McEwans.
Ness 36, Da Hooligans 33
From the outset, Da Hooligans set a fast pace to the game. Zoe Irvine (WA) created many chances for their shooters but the Ness defenders were making it difficult to convert into goals. Ness was able to create some space and with steady passing from Kirstin Sineath (WA) in to Caroline Wood (GA) and Elizabeth Williamson (GS), led the first quarter 11-7.
Da Hooligans came on for the second quarter with vigour – pouncing on every loose ball and keeping their passes accurate. Valerie Sales (GA) had a superb quarter, getting the ball in the circle and barely missing a shot. This helped Da Hooligans pull it back by two goals, with the score at half time 17-15 to Ness.
Both teams knew the game was so tight it would only take a few mistakes to lose it, so made some tactical changes to the line up.
Ness started the stronger team, with close defending by Vaila Irvine (GD) and Ruth Christie (GK), but Da Hooligans soon settled. The Ness shooters certainly found their form, but this was made up at the other end with Valerie Sales (GA) continuing her scoring dominance for Da Hooligans. The quarter ended 28-25 to Ness.
Since both teams’ shooters were on form, the defence seemed to be the key to this quarter. Tammi Anderson (GD) for Da Hooligans was in control and made it difficult for Ness to get the ball in the circle, but when it did make it in, Caroline Wood (GA) for Ness made sure of the goal. The pace quickened but Zoe Irvine (WA) and Karis Irvine (C) for Da Hooligans and Stephanie Adamson (WA) and Kirstin Sineath (C) for Ness did well to link in with their shooters. The final score was 36-33 to Ness.
Players of the match went to Valerie Sales (GA) for Da Hooligans for her quick play and accurate shooting and to Caroline Wood (GA) for Ness for her calm shooting and control of the court.
