High scoring matches in netball second division

High scoring resulted in the latest round of matches in division two of the netball leagues, with Hotfooters, Wastside and Mishaps defeating Da Hooligans, Supernova and Da McEwans respectively.
Division Two

Da Hooligans 30, Hotfooters 45

The first quarter saw end-to-end play. Da Hooligans’ Karis Irvine and Rhona Tait created many chances for their shooters which they easily converted into goals.

Hotfooters managed to edge ahead and with steady passing from centre Jenny Anderson in to Zoey Symington and Megan Petursdottir, led the first quarter 11-7.

Hotfooters came on for the second quarter even stronger than they were in the first. Da Hooligans defenders Lara Kay and Maria Sales tried hard to keep the ball out of the circle but this proved difficult. Excellent shooting from the Hotfooters widened the gap to 24-13.

There were a few changes made to both teams. Marie Manson replaced Rhea Kay as GS and with close defending by Kim Johnson and Ailidh Risk, Da Hooligans found it hard to score goals. The Hotfooters certainly found the target, hardly missing a shot. By the end of the third quarter the Hotfooters had pulled further ahead to 36-19.

Valerie Sales and Rhea Kay for Da Hooligans upped their game and managed to secure many goals but it seemed that the gap in the score was too big. The pace quickened in the centre court, leading to costly mistakes for both teams.

Players of the match were Karis Irvine for Da Hooligans and Megan Petursdottir for Hotfooters.

Wastside 44, Supernova 29

Play in the first quarter was frantic, hectic and end to end. Wastside managed to create good movement in centre court as Erica Mikolajczak and Michaela Johnson linked well. Goals were scored by Wastside shooter Catherine Henry and on the other side Supernova’s Marianne Williamson netted accurately back, which meant a neck-and-neck quarter ended level at 6-6.

In the second quarter Supernova were eager, especially Vicki Anderson who defended tightly and worked tirelessly. Sharon Moar and Helen Mathewson for Supernova continued their accurate passes to shooters Liz Haining and Marianne Williamson, ensuring they did not fall behind.

Wastside slowly started to settle and dominate, even after slight alterations were made to the team. Lousie Morrison, who came on at goalkeeper, worked well with defender Pauline Walterson, gaining possession of the ball numerous times.

In the third quarter both teams were determined and feeling the pressure with Wastside only two goals ahead at one point. Minor slip-ups were made by both teams as the intensity built up. Wastside increasingly showed more potential with Mhari Moncrieff and Catherine Henry displaying good team work to keep their lead intact at 29-25.

Wastside gave it their all in the last quarter with fast paced movement and passes. Lisa Johnson, Erica Mikolajczak and Lynsey Morrison helped towards them breaking free from a close score. Shooters Moncrieff and Henry also contributed with a good finish. This was Supernova’s weakest quarter as they only managed four goals.

Players of the match were Vicki Anderson for Supernova and Pauline Walterson for Wastside.

Mishaps 53, Da McEwans 46

The match began at a fast place with end-to-end play, showing how competitive it was going to become. Both teams found their form quickly so every interception was essential to break up play.

Maggie Kay and Eileen Robertson for Da McEwans linked well together in the centre court, making strong passes in to shooters Joanne Stewart and Sonya Shearer who rarely missed, enabling Da McEwans to take the lead at 12-10.

The second quarter saw both teams eager for more goals with some tactical mid-court play, but Mishaps managed to sneak into the lead through Leanne Tait’s great movement and positioning around the circle and experienced shooting, despite the pressure applied by Da McEwans defence. The quarter finished with Mishaps two goals in front at 27-25.  

The third quarter saw some changes for both teams with Leanna Henderson coming on at GD to make her debut for Mishaps. The quarter started well with both teams full of determination, trying to capitalise on the other’s mistakes.

Mishaps upped their game with some good interceptions and rebounds from Leanna Henderson and Kara Thomson. Lara Thomason and Ann-Marie Goudie worked solidly together, feeding the ball up court to the shooters. However, scoring was not made easy with Da McEwans defence closely marking their opponents. The quarter ended at 41-33.

Both teams came into the final quarter determined for a win and play became scrappy with many mistakes and uncontrolled passes. The ball travelled from one circle to the other but the Mishaps defence worked tiredlessly to intercept balls to stay in the lead.

Players of the match were Leanne Tait for Mishaps and Joanne Stewart for Da McEwans.