AHS netball girls reach cup quarter-finals

The Anderson High School netball team progressed to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Schools Cup Open Silver competition following Saturday’s 40-12 victory over Edinburgh-based Balerno High School at the AHS gym hall.
The team will find out this week whether they will have to travel to St Ambrose High School in Lanark or the High School of Dundee in the competition. The quarter-final matches have to be played by Friday 6th March.

Scottish Schools Cup
(Open Silver)

AHS 40, Balerno 12

The teams took to the court with determination, with Balerno taking the first centre pass. An interception from Heather Marshall allowed the AHS players to get the ball up the court to score the first goal.

AHS were able to increase their lead through the first quarter with some excellent shooting from Bethany Anderson.

AHS stayed strong in the second quarter, with good movement around their attacking circle from Anderson and Tahnae Maclennan.

Balerno’s attack worked tirelessly to get away from their defenders. AHS centre Emma Niven had an energetic first half, working well with Marshall and WA Holly King, to move the ball up the court. The second quarter ended with AHS having a considerable lead.

At half-time a few changes were made to the AHS side with Libby Fox coming on at WA. Both teams came back on with fighting spirit and the pace increased. Niven worked well with Libby Fox in the mid-court despite Balerno’s strong defending.

Another few changes were made by AHS in the fourth quarter with Ava Williams coming on for Heather Marshall at WD, Leanne Fullerton coming on at GA and Lori Smith on at centre.

Balerno’s determination showed in the last quarter, with their shooters working hard around AHS’s defence to secure the first three goals of the quarter.

Balerno’s defence applied a lot of pressure, making it difficult for attackers Aimee Strachan and Leanne Fullerton to find a space in the circle. Excellent interceptions from GK Curstaidh MacKay and GD Claire Johnston prevented Balerno from catching up too much by the end up the last quarter, resulting in a final score of 40-12.