Absolute Scaffolding 32 v Missfits B 23
Absolute Aces were forced to stand to attention as Missfits put in an emphatic and very strong performance.
Despite rumours of a weakened team, Missfits were certainly on form as they took the early lead for a second week running.
Their strength on the ball had the, yet again rearranged Aces, working for every opportunity and their strong presence thwarted Aces ability to build significant advantage. Absolute Aces have had a terrible season for injury and sickness and have managed well considering. Sunday was no exception as the loss of Toria Newbolt & Katie Blaker saw the team struggling to find their flow. Aces slowly picked up the lead throughout the game and Rachel Beattie timed movements well giving her team options centre court and on the circle. Missfits shooters were on form yet again as they demonstrated their magnetic ability but Teresa Bryden & Fran Lythgoe had other ideas, putting pressure on the girls in the circle and for a time made it near impossible for Missfits to get close enough to convert vital points in the circle. All in all a fairly evenly matched game but Absolute Scaffolding Aces pulled away with the win, ensuring they still hold the best record in the Divsion.
Players of the Match: Rachel Beattie (Absolute Aces) & Lisa Quilliam (Missfits B).
SMP Ballasalla C 41 v PwC Manx Gems Sapphires 9
SMP Ballasalla C notch up yet another win but there was no doubt that this game was to be theirs.
PwC on the other hand were up for the fight and demonstrated that even with 6 players they could hold their own in the first quarter. A series of SMP infringements saw the game interrupted frequently and Sapphires managed to restrict early pressure by minimising their oppositions goals. They were unfortunate in not being able to capitalise on their oppositions mistakes by converting points in the circle but credit has to go to the SMP's defence for picking up rebounds. Sapphires were back to 7 players but SMP seemed to find their flow. The return of Clair Barks, former Premier player, had a significant impact on SMP's mid-court stability.
There was no room for error with Barks on court and tight marking made it difficult for Sapphires to get free when in possession.
The arrival of Ashley Hall on the side line saw SMP's success rocket and although Sapphires kept putting in the effort, the deficit was too large to bridge. SMP demonstrated some great movement throughout the court at times and were strong on the ball and if they can get control of their game by minimising their mistakes, then they will be showing the whole netballing community a thing or two!
Players of the Match: Liz Hynd (SMP) & Kelly Ashe (Sapphires)
Division 2 Results:
SMP Ballasalla C 41, PWC Manx Gem Sapphires 9;
Absolute Scaffolding 32, Missfits B 23.
Fixtures Sunday 17th March:
11am Toomraiders v SMP Ballasalla A.
NSC1: 9am PokerStars v Fencibles A; 10am pwc Manx Gems Sapphires v Marbree Motors;
NSC2: 9am SMP Ballasalla B v Magic Carpets; 10am Route 1 Connections v C&S Joinery A; 11am pwc manx Gems Emeralds v Manx Glass Saints.
SNLS1: 9am SMP Ballasalla C v C&S Joinery D; 10am Fencibles B v Anglo Manx Electrical Services; 11am Thompson B v Missfits B.
SNLS2: 9am C&S Joinery C v pwc Manx Gems Rubies; 10am C&S Joinery B v Thompson A; 11am Absolute Scaffolding Aces v Thompson C.
