Netball Reports, Results & Fixtures (League Week 17)
Route 1 Connections - 48 v C & S Joinery B - 36 by Claire Battye
The C & S girls have been improving throughout the season so Route 1 did not enter this game expecting an easy ride. C & S proved themselves worthy contenders, matching goal for goal in the first 10 minutes of the game with some lovely play from Ellen. Some good mid-court interceptions from Jo Steriopulos and Katrina Keeling supplied the Route 1 shooters with the opportunities they were looking for and made no mistake in converting them. The defence at both ends worked tirelessly to try and prevent the goals but with all the shooters impressively on form, the difference was centre court. Route 1 came out on top through the mid court with steady play from Fiona Irving and some great defensive work from Alice Henderson.
Players of the Match: Nicola Spencer (Route 1 Connections); Katie Quine (C & S Joinery B).
C & S Joinery A - 34 v SMP Ballasalla A - 37 by Claire Battye
It was the game that was going to decide the league title and despite the absence of key players on both teams, they didn’t disappoint. SMP declared their intentions with a strong start. From the first whistle, SMP’s Ashley Hall worked hard with some fantastic play in both attack and defense, settling her team into an early 10-4 lead at quarter time. C&S suffered a further blow, losing Claire Belcher-Smith to illness. SMP swiftly took advantage and delivered a steady performance to gain a comfortable lead by half time. With a team talk and shake up, C&S returned on court with new determination and began to dominate play ensuring first half errors were eradicated. The accurate shooting of Sarah Corkish, creative feeds into the circle from Erin Whelan and strength of Chloe Swales proved a successful combination and C&S brought Balla crashing down to a 1 goal lead. Remaining calm, playing the ball and maintaining possession won SMP Ballasalla A the game by a 3 point differential in the end resulting in a win for either team against one another this season. They will both also hope to meet again in the Cup Final (18th March) and that could be an exciting game with them both looking for that second win.
Players of the Match: Chloe Swales (C&S Joinery A); Katie Reynolds (SMP Ballasalla A).
Route 1 Sparks - 22 v Thompson B - 16 by Claire Battye
Neither team were able to offer their full complement due to half term absentees but this was still an exciting match. Route 1 seemed to have the advantage in the first quarter as they appeared more comfortable in the attacking circle, entering the second quarter with a 1 goal advantage. Both teams played some good netball, managing to score goal for goal keeping things level for half time. Goal Keeper Michelle O’Malley provided fantastic defense and it looked as though Sparks’ cage was rattled, as Thompson crept up levelling the score. Route 1’s Becky O’Brien didn’t panic and played with great confidence, ushering her team mates tactically into some great zone defence from the the back line, creating much needed turn overs to help towards their win over Thompson. This was one of the nicest games of netball I had seen in this division and both teams are looking good to progress next year.
Players of the Match: Paige Skillicorn (Route 1 Sparks); Emily Bell (Thompson B).
Results: Sunday 19th February 2012
Premier: Route 1 Connections 48, C&S Joinery B 36; SMP Ballasalla A 37, C&S Joinery A 34; Thompson A 41, Toomraiders 33; SMP Ballasalla B 46, pwc Manx Gems Rubies 29.
Division One: Magic Carpets 35, PokerStars 16; Manx Glass Saints 27, Team DQ Hurricanes 25; Fencibles A 39, Anglo Manx Electrical Services 35; Absolute Scaffolding Aces 30, C&S Joinery C 24.
Division Two: SMP Ballasalla C 28, pwc Manx Gems Sapphires 28; Route 1 Sparks 22, Thompson B 16; Fencibles B 38, C&S Joinery D 9; Intersport 42, Moore Stephens Hurricanes 13.
Fixtures: Sunday 26th February 2012
NSC One:
9am - Route 1 Sparks v Missfits B
10am - Route 1 Connections v pwc Manx Gems Rubies
11am - C&S Joinery A v Missfits A
NSC2:
9am - Fencibles B v Moore Stephens Hurricanes
10am - Absolute Scaffolding Aces v Fencibles A
11am - Intersport v C&S Joinery D
CRHS:
9am - SMP Ballasalla A v Thompson A
10am - SMP Ballasalla B v C&S Joinery B
11am - Thompson B v pwc Manx Gems Sapphires
QEII:
9am - Anglo Manx Electrical Services v C&S Joinery C
10am - PokerStars v pwc Manx Gems Emeralds
11am - Magic Carpets v Manx Glass Saints
-ENDS-
