Sophie-May excels against former team
AHS leaves it until late against Supernova and Challengeres rack up impressive 43 points in the netball leagues.
Division 1
Supernova 25, AHS 29
THIS was the first match of the new season for both teams, with new faces on both sides. This was also the first match with Sophie-May Leyland playing for AHS against her old team Supernova. However there was no sign of any nerves when the first whistle blew. Unsurprisingly the first quarter was fast and somewhat frantic, with both teams taking some time to settle down and find their pace. Both teams were full of energy and enthusiasm after the summer break and they fought for every ball with the score at the end of the first quarter 7-7.
The second quarter saw some excellent interceptions by both teams, and these were quickly converted into goals. However, Supernova managed to take the lead, despite the concerted efforts of the formidable AHS defence of Louise Birnie (GK) and Inga Woods (GD), and the score at half time was 15-11 to Supernova.
Both teams made some strategic changes during half time. However AHS were quicker to settle and they took advantage of this with some fantastic play by the whole team, and confident shooting from Andrea Strachan (GS) and Christine Jamieson (GA). Supernova made some minor errors, and this cost them as AHS took every opportunity available to them, pulling the score back to 18-18 at the end of third quarter.
The final quarter saw both teams fighting to take the lead. However with just minutes to go AHS gained advantage and once they did there was no looking back. The match ended with AHS deservedly winning 25-29.
Players of the match were Sophie-May Leyland for AHS and Hannah Burgess for Supernova.
Division 2
Wastside 26, Challengers 43
In this game Wastside were just finding their feet, with the prospect of a few new players for the season. Challengers started strongly, Lynsey Pearson (GS) and Louise Johnson (GA) confidently finding the net to score four more goals ahead of Wastside.
The second quarter saw Challengers strengthen their play some more. Heather Williamson (C) showed her experience, influencing the style of attacking passing. Maree Simpson (GD) closed down the spaces and marked her opponent tightly. Wastside then made some rearrangements in the centre court and in defence. Alison Hunter (GD) for Wastside worked hard and snatched any missing shots. Catherine Henry (GS) netted more goals in this quarter.
In the last quarter Challengers made some changes to the team. Marie Anderson (WA) replaced Heather Williamson in Centre position and Deborah Mowat went on as WA. Fresh players on the attack for the last quarter kept Challengers in control to win 43-26.
Players of the match were Catherine Henry and Alison Hunter for Wastside and Heather Williamson for Challengers.
McEwans 32, Unst 34
No report submitted.
Mishaps 16, Da Hooligans 23
Mishaps were first to get onto the score sheet with a clean goal from Marie Manson. However Da Hooligans defended very strongly to thwart further attacking play, and despite the valiant efforts of Elaine Jamieson and Marie Moar in the Mishaps defence Caroline Shearer could not be stopped from scoring, and the young Whalsay side had established a lead of 9-5 by the end of the first quarter.
Mishaps made some strategic position changes, introducing Jennifer Manson and Alison Bain to defence. The second quarter saw more evenly matched play, with Da Hooligans remaining in the lead 14-8 at half time. Mishaps enjoyed a good spell of controlled attacking play in the third quarter. Kylie Wood and Suzanne Manson made some excellent passes into the shooting duo of Ann Marie Goudie and Marie Manson, who, in their first game together, were already working well together. Da Hooligans defence of Shelley Sandison and Tammie Anderson minimised the damage, by marking very well, and latching onto aerial passes, making valuable interceptions. At the other end of court Alison Bain was defending particularly well, but once the ball was in Caroline Shearer’s hands, it was destined for goal.
Mishaps had managed to close the gap to only four goals by the start of the final period, but, perhaps with the advantage of youth, the Whalsay lasses managed to pull away in the final quarter to deservedly win 23-16. Da Hooligans put in the better team performance on the night, and no doubt Mishaps will quickly improve as they settle. For Mishaps, the attacking play was particularly impressive, with Kylie Wood (C) standing out as being most influential player. Da Hooligans had a number of players who put in solid performances, but Shelley Sandison (GD) stood out for her excellent defending and interception of rebounds, while Caroline Shearer (GS) was consistently on target with the goals.
Division 3
Lerwick Juniors 24, Scalloway Juniors 15
Newcomers Scalloway Juniors made a determined debut in the senior league against a slightly older Lerwick Juniors team. Both teams battled it out in the first quarter with end-to-end action. Scalloway Juniors GK Erin Sandison used her height to full advantage and defended well to keep the score 5-5 at the end of the first quarter. After the break both teams came back on to the court wanting to pull away from the draw. Lerwick just managed to get a few goals ahead of Scalloway with good linking in the circle from shooters Sadie Tait and Caitlin Watt, with the score being 11-8 after the second half.
When the game continued WD Lorna Scott for Lerwick stood out as she made some skilful interceptions throughout this quarter. Scalloway also dug deep and C Karen Bannister’s accurate passing helped them to tighten the gap leaving the score 19-13. With the final whistle looming both teams knew the final quarter was going to be close. As the quarter continued Lerwick started to pull away. Alice Unsworth in defence made some crucial interceptions, which helped Lerwick to reach the final score of 24-15.
Player of the match for Scalloway Juniors was Karen Bannister and for Lerwick Juniors it was Alice Unsworth.
