NATIONAL LEAGUE ROUND 2

29th November 2022

Strathclyde Uni vs Saltires

27/11/22

Quarter 1

The first game of Round 2 of the National League saw Strathclyde Uni take on the Saltires at Strathclyde Sport. The intensity throughout the entire quarter was high and the match was closely contended. This match up saw Sirens teammates Beth Goodwin and Abby Tyrrell matched up against one another with Goodwin in GA and Tyrrell in GD. Both sides fought hard for the ball and didn’t let up once. However shooting struggles on the Saltires side allowed Strathclyde to pull away.

12-7 to Strathclyde

Quarter 2

Quarter two saw Saltires come back fighting, eager to win back some ball and close in on the score line. Strong defence from Tyrrell and support down the court helped to calm play and allow Saltires to begin to find their rhythm. However, struggles in the shooting circle meant that they were unable to capitalise. Strathclyde kept their intensity high and worked hard to prevent Saltires from gaining any goal difference. Strong through court defence and interceptions from Savannah Antoine allowed Strathclyde to hold onto their lead and finish the first half of the match

23-19 to Strathclyde

Quarter 3

The third quarter saw some tactical changes, moving Goodwin into GS, her first position and Tyrrell moving into GK, also her first position. This quarter saw Saltires really find their feet and they were able to breakdown some of Strathclyde’s play. The shooting circle were able to warm up and capitalise off interceptions. This began to rattle Strathclyde who began to make some unforced errors and play rougher, which in turn awarded the Saltires with more ball. Saltires were able to remain calm and didn’t let the rougher, more intense play from Strathclyde rattle them.

34-38 to Saltires.

Quarter 4

Quarter four saw the intensity of the match continue to ride, with Strathclyde keen to pull back the lead they lost in the third quarter and Saltires desperate to hold on. Both benches loud with support, showing the emotion and how much this win would mean to each side. Both sides upped the intensity and speed through court. However, the Saltires were able to keep and improve their lead with the final score being

44-52 to Saltires.

“We had a brilliant game against Saltires. Huge well done to Bethan and Emma who stepped into the shooting circle today having never played with the squad whilst our girls were away with Scottish Thistles. Bring on the next round.”

Rachel Cremin, Strathclyde Uni Head Coach

Bellahouston Netball Club vs Glasgow University Netball Club

27/11/2022

Quarter 1

Right from the whistle the game was fast paced and evenly matched game. Both teams initially appear to struggle finding their rhythm with technique problems occurring for both sides. A fiery Bellahouston defence continuously send the ball back down the court after Glasgow University’s inconsistent shooting letting them down ended the first quarter 11-9.

11- 9 to Bellahouston

Quarter 2

The second quarter opens as intensely as the first with a lot of movement and goal for goal action. Both teams tighten up their technique with more accurate, decisive play whilst continuing to match each other in every aspect of the game. The Bellahouston shooters worked incredibly well together providing sharp shooting for their side. Glasgow continued to miss a few shots at the beginning of the quarter before opting for longer balls to move the play down. The change of dynamic created a much more effective attacking play allowing them to pull back to a tying score as the first half finishes.

22-22 all

Quarter 3

Entering the second half with everything at stake provided an incredibly quick start with everyone wants to maximise points on the board. Tensions rise as the play becomes intense with cautions being given to Bellahouston GK for delaying play and Glasgow WD for persistent offside. It is during this quarter that Glasgow attacking side come into their own. They become more dominant in the circle with much more consistent shooting. Equally the Glasgow mid-court appear stronger as for a few minutes Bellahouston struggle to move down court. This combined with an aggressive defence from the side allows Glasgow to slowly pull away from Bellahouston.

30-35 to Glasgow University

Quarter 4

With Glasgow a mere 5 goals up the last 15 minutes is all to play for. Bellahouston come out strong with an intense pressure which allows them to pull back a few goals in the first few minutes. However, Glasgow counter with a technical and fast play that continued their lead. Glasgow settles into their lead, now creating plays which result in quick goals using only a few passes. Bellahouston continuously have to put a lot more effort in to gain possession in the attacking circle. Bella still throw everything they have into the final few minutes but it is Glasgow University who clinch the victory.

Final score 40-51 to Glasgow University

Post game

“Bellahouston had a great game against Glasgow Uni, although we lost, it was a great fight. Missing some key players from defence, two players stepped up and took on the challenge! Excited for the next NL game”

Rebecca Metcalfe, Bellahouston Coach

“Glasgow are delighted with the win today. We knew Bella would be a tough match and we felt we played smart netball to open up our options. An 11 goal win is definitely something we will be celebrating.”

Sarah Gandon, Glasgow University Coach

Edinburgh Accies Club vs Dundelin Netball Club

27/11/2022

Quarter 1

Dunedin start off with strong possession but after struggling to get the ball into the shooting circle and an intercept from Edinburgh Accies the power quickly switches, Accies capitalise and score two goals in quick succession. Dunedin responds to the pressure immediately pushing back with a stronger attack working to move the ball swiftly down court. The accuracy and intensity of the Accies shooting continues their lead as Dunedin struggle to utilise the mid-court whilst in possession.

15 – 9 to Edinburgh Accies

Quarter 2

As the second quarter opens Edinburgh Accies continue to lead but the Dunedin defensive circle increase the pressure allowing Dunedin to begin to pull back. This combined with a couple of astonishingly calm long ball goals from Dunedin shooters, and the quarter quickly becomes very intense. After settling into the new pressure from the Dunedin defence, Accies counter with flying feeds into their attacking circle and applying an aggressive defence themselves ensuring their lead continues. Despite Accies continuing to lead Dunedin have not stopped applying pressure, shooting sharp and giving it their all.

28 – 19 to Edinburgh Accies

Quarter 3

The second half begins with a fiery Dunedin determined to claw back the gap and Accies wanting to firm their lead. Dunedin open and despite hustling the ball into a shooting opportunity fail to get the ball in and possession goes straight back to Accies. Only after a few minutes Accies’ stretch their lead further despite the best efforts of Dunedin.

46 – 29 to Edinburgh Accies

Quarter 4

Both teams burst on to court for the final quarter. Accies’ ease the ball down court with decisive drives and positioning to stretch their lead further but Dunedin continue to apply defensive pressure whenever they can. The quarter continues with not much change in dynamic between the two teams, both are giving it their all on court but it is still Accies who are coming out on top as they consistently done throughout the game.

Final Score 60 – 39 to Edinburgh Accies

Post Match

“We really enjoyed our match up against Dunedin today. We have been working on sticking to our processes when the going gets tough in training. Dunedin pushed us hard throughout the game but we maintained confidence and composure in each quarter to keep the scoreboard rolling in our favour. We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their support of the team and individual players so far this season”

Jo Pettit, Edinburgh Accies coach.

“We knew this game would be a physical challenge within the league as both teams know each other well and so it was always going to be about who could sustain the pressure for a full 60. We’re proud of our performance and what we put out on court with new combinations that we know will prepare us better for the rest of the league but know we need to be more consistent to be able to come away with the win next time. We’ll go away and regroup for next time and come back fighting”