Loungers prove unbeatable in netball league

Loungers retained their 100 per cent record in division one of the netball league with a win over Wastside, while in the second division there were victories for Burra and Ness.

Division One

Wastside 25, Loungers 56

This was a trial and error game due to Wastside being understrength and trying to make do with many attacking players, resulting in different combinations being tried on court. The youthful Gillian Morrison stepped in as goal defence for the first quarter, managing tremendously and showing she is a prospect for the future.

Loungers, however, played effectively from the first whistle, sending the ball up court to the prepared shooters who continued to net most of their attempts on goal and establish a 15-4 lead.

The next two quarters saw Loungers still in their form, linking well continuing to cruise ahead of Wastside who had reshuffled their positions again for both quarters due to players still not feeling content in their positions.

In the last quarter Loungers made some changes to their team to give Wastside a better game. The game was now even with end-to-end play resulting equal goals scored from each side.

Although Wastside came more into the game during the final quarter, they were unable to make much impact on the lead Loungers already had.

Players of the match were Shona Keith for Wastside and Hazel Uren for Loungers.

Division Two

Burra 39, Scalloway Juniors 21

The beginning of the match saw both teams settle well with the scores going goal for goal, but Scalloway Juniors just took the lead at the end of the first quarter 10-9.

The second quarter saw Burra’s Alexis Jamison and Kristan Robertson linking well in the circle and accurate shooting from Ingrid Devine gave Burra the lead 19-14.

The second half started well for Burra with great defending from Susan Laurenson and Heather Henry making it hard for the Scalloway Juniors shooters. The quarter ended 28-16.

The Scalloway Juniors came back in the final quarter more determined with Megan Halcrow and Julie Brown getting some great interceptions and rebounds. But with Burra’s Lynn Ritchie and Kristy Halcrow linking up well with the rest of the team, more accurate shooting from Bethany Laurenson saw Burra win by 18 goals.

Players of the match were Kristan Robertson for Burra and Julie Brown for Scalloway Juniors.

Scallywags 9, Ness 31

Scallywags suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Ness, the south end team dominating for the first 10 minutes of the game. Their attacking players were fast paced, moving into spaces quickly and demonstrating precise and accurate passing, which caught Scallywags a bit off guard.

Ness centre Kirsten Sineath was rapidly moving into position and linking well with Stephanie Adamson and Caroline Wood. Wood in turn demonstrated why she was voted player of the match for Ness with her quick movements and graceful shooting, helping her team notch up the goals in quick succession.

The next quarter was a more even affair. This time Scallywags were making the clean passes, with Gwen Malcolmson and Meg Laurenson feeding in strong passes to Cyndi Pottinger and Dana Stewart. In the Scallywags defence Freda Nicolson was working tirelessly to keep the Ness shooters at bay, and this was paying dividend as Ness only managed to score four goals in the quarter. At half time, however, the score was still in the favour of Ness as they led 16-7.

In the second half players were tiring and both teams were making unforced errors. However, Ness were capitalising on the Scallywags mistakes and pushed ahead again. The chances that were created for Scallywags were thwarted by the determined Ruth Christie for Ness. Her leaning-in appeared to defy gravity at times, consistently blocking the way for the Scallywags shooters.

Going into the last session, Scallywags knew they had a mountain to climb as the score stood at 26-9. Morale was kept high though as both teams maintained a well natured game throughout. Ness, still keeping the quick pace going, ran out winners by 22 points.

Players of the match were Freda Nicolson for Scallywags and Caroline Wood for Ness.