Kinetics go level with Team Rowley at top of netball’s first flight

Kinetics picked up three points in the netball first division after defeating Loungers to go level at the top with Team Rowley. Unst were victorious in division two while Hotfooters, Tingwall and Scallywags won in the third division.

Division One

Kinetics 39, Loungers 30

The game started with fast play, both teams working hard and looking to gain an early lead. Kinetics displayed strong linking play in the centre court between Louise Fraser and Lesley Spence. This gave them the advantage when the quarter-time whistle blew, the score at 11-6.

Loungers made changes to their centre court for the second quarter with Inga Woods moving to WA in the hope of turning around and dominating play in this part of the court.

However, with some well timed interceptions from Kinetics’ Andrea Tait and Emma Gray they managed to strengthen their lead to 22-14 at half time.

Loungers stepped up a gear in the third quarter, Inga Woods moving to centre and Vicki Henderson moving from centre court to defence. Loungers had the majority of possession in this quarter with Kinetics fighting to get a shot on goal.

Chloe Miller, making her debut at GS for Kinetics, demonstrated good movement in the shooting circle. However, Loungers closed the gap in the score, going into the fourth and final quarter 29-23 behind.

The final quarter was a display of determination with both teams fighting for possession. A number of well-timed interceptions from Louise Moar and Victoria Duthie helped to produce some fast, end-to-end play.

Vaila Hough of Kinetics provided good supporting play up the court, while accurate shooting from Kirsti Leask and Sarah Grogan meant they retained the lead to finish nine points clear.

Players of the match were Lesley Spence for Kinetics and Victoria Duthie for Loungers.

Divison Two

Unst 42, McEwans 23

From the outset Da McEwans showed strength in their centre court play with Eileen Sandison and Deborah Mowat working well together to get the ball to their attackers. The game was slow to start, nevertheless strong play and good shooting by Vaila Kay helped Unst take the lead at 10-4.

Both teams maintained their keen play during the second quarter. Unst shooter Chelsea Jamieson seemed to settle into the game and spells of great play from Amber Inkster kept the ball in the circle. Mowat played well for Da McEwans and was quick off the mark at centre, feeding the ball well to shooter Sonya Shearer. The second quarter ended 18-10.

The third quarter saw an injury to Sonya Shearer which took Alison Williamson back on court with new determination. Moments of magic from Unst centre Alice Mullay were guiding their play and giving plenty of opportunity in the circle. However, Da McEwans’ sound centre play provided Joanne Stewart with the ball and her talented shooting gave her team their best quarter.

Da McEwans continued their determined passing and good team work but sharp intercepting from Unst defenders Martha Clark and Linda Thomson allowed Unst to pull ahead in the last quarter. Together with Jane Macaulay’s cool head, feeding the circle and creating faster play to the shooting duo of Vaila and Claire Priest, they extended the lead to 42-23.

Players of the match were Martha Clark for Unst with her great interceptions and marking and Eileen Sandison for McEwans with her good movement and passing ability.

Division Three

Hotfooters 32, Da Hooligans 26

An excellent start for Hotfooters saw them quickly into their stride and racing to a five-goal lead. Hooligans began to find form late in the quarter, which ended 11-6 to Hotfooters.

The second period saw two evenly matched teams on court. Hooligans players Zoe and Karis Irvine were creating problems for Hotfooters as their speed and movement were particularly effective in the attack. Defenders Iona Holmes and Rosanne Georgeson responded well as they were quick to intercept in the Hooligans shooting circle and prevented several scoring opportunities, helping their team maintain a 19-13 lead at half-time.

The third quarter continued in this manner with Hooligans looking the stronger side. Valerie Sales and Rhea Irvine’s long-range shots were finding the net. Hotfooters responded well to the pressure and dug deep to protect their lead. It was 23-18 going into the last quarter.

This was to be an exciting end to a very competitive match as Hooligans began to dominate with Hotfooters looking rattled and nervous. With four minutes remaining, Hooligans had levelled at 25-25 and had the advantage of the centre pass. A rebound by Iona Holmes gave possession to Hotfooters. Liza Fullerton calmly converted her shot to give Hotfooters a one-goal lead.

With everything to play for and time running out it was now about which team could their nerve. Hotfooters had Fullerton to thank as she found the net on four more occasions with no reply from Hooligans, helping Hotfooters to victory.

Liza Fullerton deservedly picked up player of the match for Hotfooters, along with Zoe Irvine for Hooligans.

Tingwall 39, Da Hooligans 31

Tingwall started the stronger side and soon began to take control with a few quick goals. Hooligans were slower to settle into their game and although defenders Tammi Anderson and Nicola Polson put in a brave effort, Tingwall led 11-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Tingwall continued to lead in the second quarter with great centre court passes from Jennifer Wadley and Alexis Jamieson creating good shooting opportunites. Their strong defence of Anne Mouat and Louise Arthur made some good interceptions against Hooligans. Although Abbey Irvine made some vital interceptions for Hooligans, the quarter still ended 24-13 in favour of Tingwall.

Hooligans picked up their pace in the third quarter, with the defence of Lara Kay and Tammi Anderson putting great pressure on Tingwall’s shooters. Hooligans centre players Zoe Irvine and Holly Jamieson linked well up the court with some excellent balls into their shooters.

The last quarter saw a different game take place on the court. Hooligans finally found the confidence they were looking for and soon goals were flying in from Valerie Sales and Rhea Kay. Although Hooligans had an impressive last quarter Tingwall held on to win.

Best for Tingwall was Karla Stewart while Karis Irvine stood out for Hooligans.

Scallywags 30, Scalloway Juniors 15

Scallywags won the toss and took the first centre pass but Scalloway Juniors intercepted and the ball found its way to Julie Brown who opened the scoring.

Both teams were quick to settle into the game which saw great play from end to end of the court, but it was the accurate shooting from Scallywags Anne-Marie Robinson that gave the home side an 11-2 lead at the end of this quarter.

Scallywags seemed a little unsettled in the second quarter which saw Scalloway Juniors produce some great linking passes from Rowan Nicolson through to Leah Hendry and on to Julie Brown who was finding the net on each occasion, despite strong defending by Naomi Johnson and Pauline Mouat. Scallywags never gave up and as the half-time whistle went they were leading 15-8.

With the third quarter under way, Scallywags came out fighting with accurate passing between Gwen Malcolmson, Andrea Henderson through to Joy Duncan and Anne-Marie Robinson who were linking well together, making Kristen Flett and Nicola Mouat work tirelessly in defense to keep them for scoring. However, it was Scallywags who proved to be the stronger of the teams and went into the final quarter 23-11.

With everything to play for in the last quarter, Scalloway Juniors saw Rowan Nicolson move to GA. This proved to be a good move and she was soon linking well. Scallywags were soon on the attack again with strong accurate passing into Anne-Marie Robinson who saw them take the game.

Anne-Marie Robinson and Rowan Nicolson were voted players of the match.