SMP Ballasalla C 36 v Absolute Scaffolding Aces 28 by Colette Gambell
A fast paced match from the off, both teams wanted this win and you could feel the anticipation in the air.
It was SMP who had the better start converting the first two centre passes but Absolute Aces were quick to redress the balance and fought their way back to contention.
Some loose balls from the Absolute attack made easy pickings for SMP in the circle and it just didn't seem to be going their way. A quarter time score of 6-9 in SMP's favour was enough to keep the Aces girls on their toes and they took to the court with renewed fervour.
Shooters Caitlin Morter and Penny Doran found the net proficiently in the second quarter to bring the girls in line with their opposition. Equally SMP's shooting duo made easy work of converting points in their circle. Centre court, SMP pressurised Aces centre passes forcing a few errors which they were quick to capitalise on. SMP's centre weaved well to dodge her counterpart and lost very few passes as a result.
A few key interceptions gave Aces just enough edge to bring the score to within a point at half time.
The second half was won and lost in the final quarter. Both teams maintained their strength but SMP stepped up a gear.
A flurry of goals for SMP in the early minutes of the final quarter did enough damage to make it near impossible for an Aces comeback. The girls in black did not give up but optimism dipped as the clocked ticked and their chances slipped away. A few consolation goals reduced the margin and for a time it looked as though this match could go either way but SMP Ballasalla C picked up the pace, converted their chances and did more than enough to seal the deal. Absolute Scaffolding Aces have had an impressive run but this SMP Ballasalla C win sadly draws Aces' unbeaten run to a close.
Players of the match: Dani Murphy (SMP) & Caitlin Morter (Absolute Aces).
PwC Manx Gems Sapphires v C&S Joinery D 19 by Stacy Robinson
Both teams got off to a good start demonstrating a fairly evenly matched contest. There were many interceptions in the first quarter and good movement on the ball as both teams moved into space up and down the court. PWC Sapphires defence were working well, pressurising C&S D ensuring they came out ahead at quarter time. PWC Sapphires pulled forward in the second quarter with some short and long passing, working with available space particularly as C&S D's defense stepped up a notch in a bid to neutralise any difference. In the third quarter C&S D upped their game and pulled it back from Sapphires but the girls in blue and white kept focus and worked hard to intercept the ball. It was even play in the final quarter. PWC Sapphires kept strong and despite C&S D improving massively within the last half it was a little too late to take the win. PWC Sapphires took home a well worked 23 -19 win.
Players of the match:Monica Dixie (PWC Sapphires) & Kate Cubbon (C&S D.)
Results
Premier:Toomraiders 42, Thompson A 33; C&S Joinery B 46, SMP Ballasalla B 23; Missfits A 41, SMP Ballasalla A 39; Route 1 COnnections 40, Magic Carpets 0 (conceded).
Division 1: C&S Joinery C 41, Anglo Manx Electrical Services 26; PwC Manx Gems Rubies 31, Team DQ 21; PwC Manx Gems Emeralds 40, Fencibles B 0 (conceded); PokerStars 29, Manx Glass Saints 27.
Division 2: SMP Ballasalla C 36, Absolute Scaffolding 28; Thompson B 35, Thompson D 10; Route 1 Sparks 40, Marbree Motors 0 (conceded).
Fixtures: Sunday 17th February - Cup, Vase & Plate quarter finals
NSC1: 9am Route 1 Sparks v Team DQ Hurricanes, 10am Absolute Scaffolding v PwC Manx Gems Rubies.
NSC2: 9am PokerStars v SMP Ballasalla C; 10am C&S Joinery B v Magic Carpets.
SNLS1: 9am Thompson D v Thompson B C&S Joinery D v Fencibles A; 10am
SNLS2: 9am SMP Ballasalla B v Toomraiders; 10am Thompson C v Missfits B.
