AHS netball girls through to third round

The AHS netball team are through to the third round of the Scottish Schools Cup after a fine win over Linwood in the second-round tie at the weekend.

Scottish Schools Cup

AHS 41, Linwood 7
After a long journey on the boat and bus down to Linwood, the AHS players were still more than up for the game. They stole the first centre with an interception, allowing them to get the lead they wanted straight away.

AHS settled well which allowed them to have smooth play throughout the court. Linwood were able to spot weaknesses in AHS’s play and managed to use this to their advantage. However, tough defence from Claire Johnston at GD made it difficult for Linwood to get the chance to shoot. The first quarter ended 11-2 to AHS.

The second quarter started with AHS feeling confident. Yet another interception, from WD Curstaidh Mckay, resulted in them snatching the first goal.

Fast, fluent passes from AHS down the court resulted in quick goals. However, there were many loose balls that Linwood were quick to pick up. Linwood’s GS had good movement around the circle that got her into good positions for shots.

AHS shooters Aimee Strachan and Bethany Anderson were getting the majority of their shots in first time and going in for all rebounds which continued to give AHS the upper hand.

AHS were determined to keep the game under their wing in the third quarter. Centre Holly King had skilful movement throughout the court which helped AHS work strongly as a team. Libby Fox made strong, accurate passes into the circle that allowed shooters to take confident shots.

Linwood’s defence greatly improved which made it tough for AHS to get many successful passes into the circle with ease. This improvement in defence was joined by an improvement in shooting that helped Linwood increase their score and make AHS work a lot harder than they previously had been. AHS continued to work hard regardless and maintained the lead.

In the final quarter the AHS players were keen to come home victorious. Emma Niven made effective passes through mid-court to help them stay alert and on top form.

Linwood’s centre court players were sticking tight to AHS, making it hard for them to get into space and receive safe passes. This resulted in AHS losing a few chances to get the ball up to their shooters.

However, AHS defender Heather Marshall remained calm and made clean interceptions that were fluently passed throughout the court and safely to the shooters. The game ended 41-7 to AHS with both teams having played a good game.

The AHS girls thanked Linwood and their coaches for the hospitality and a successful game. They also thanked NorthLink Ferries for sponsoring them as without them they would be unable to attend these games and further progress in the Scottish Schools Cup.