AHS netball team reach quarter-finals of Scottish Schools Cup

The Anderson High School netball team is through to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Schools Cup after defeating Balerno High School from Edinburgh 68-34 on Tuesday.

The AHS team had another excellent game despite the snowy weather closing the school. The Balerno players travelled up by plane in the morning despite the conditions that had overcome Shetland.

There was a lot riding on this game for both teams as it would be the end of the road for the losing team and the quarter-finals would be next for the winners.

Both teams entered the game fully energised and not really knowing what to expect. With the ball going from end to end and strong play from both teams it looked like this was going to be an extremely close match until the AHS girls found their form.

This did not hinder the Balerno team though as they fought hard for the ball with some great play from their goalkeeper and goal defence. Both Inga Woods (C) and Louise Jamieson (WA) worked tirelessly together to get the ball through the centre third into the shooting circle, getting it to the hands of shooters Chloe Miller and Debbie Smith who brought the score to 20-12 by the end of the first quarter.

With all still to play for the second quarter started slower with both teams taking a couple of minutes to settle into play. Balerno’s centre and wing attack were working hard to get the ball to their shooters and bring the score back but were hindered by Sophie May Leyland (GK) and Emma Leask (GD) who were making it hard for them to get a hand on the ball. By half time the AHS had taken a good 37-18 lead.

AHS started the second half with two changes to the line-up, Megan Keppie coming on for Louise Birnie at wing defence and Allie Elphinstone for Louise Jamieson at wing attack. Both played well to keep up the lead of the first half, Allie playing well with Inga and the shooters to get the ball into the circle.

Balerno were still fighting hard and this was their strongest quarter. Their wing defence, centre and wing attack worked well to get the ball through the centre court into the circle to their shooters. Unfortunately this was not enough for the Edinburgh team as the quarter ended with the AHS still in the lead at 53-26.

In the final quarter Balerno continued to fight hard with their defence marking tightly, making it difficult for the AHS shooters. AHS kept fighting though and with strong defending from Katie Farnworth (WD), Emma and Sophie May, they ended the game as 68-34 winners.

The AHS girls have done very well to get this far in the competition. They have won their four games so far by quite comfortable margins and their hard work has paid off.

Now they are on to play in the quarter-finals and with the AHS team winning the competition two years ago and getting to the semi-finals last year, there is a lot riding on these girls to do well. With their determination and standard of play, they should proceed to do well.