National League Round 4

31st January 2024

National League Round 4: Intensity Peaks as Teams Vie for Victory

Round 4 of the National League showcased the pinnacle of Scottish netball, with teams revealing their competitive edges and strategic depths.

Glasgow Uni’s Resilience Under Pressure

Glasgow Uni’s head coach, Kelly Boyle, emphasised mental focus over scoreboard pressure. “Today was all about focusing on ourselves,” Boyle said, underscoring the importance of each player’s role. Despite trailing Saltires by a slim margin entering the last quarter, Boyle’s confidence was unwavering: “But I told the girls if they really want this then they will have to do everything they can to get this game over the line.”

Saltires’ Commendable Commitment

Saltires’ coach, Sharyn Lyon, was proud of her team’s spirit, especially with new players stepping up. Despite the loss, she recognized their dedication: “I am proud of how committed we were out there.”

Netball Scotland National League matches in action

Netball Scotland National League
Glasgow University – 28/01/24

Edinburgh Uni’s Goal-Oriented Approach

For Edinburgh Uni, coach Trish Wilcox praised the team’s collective effort. “The joy for me has been getting everybody on the court,” she stated. With a clear objective in sight, Wilcox mentioned, “We set ourselves a goal of getting into the final… we park that and take each game as it comes.”

Bellahouston’s Drive for Consistency

Bellahouston’s Fiona Metcalfe acknowledged the challenges faced against Edinburgh’s defense and the necessity for mental toughness. “Some of our attacking play was just beautiful to watch but we need consistency,” Metcalfe reflected, setting their sights on the final with a belief in their ability to overcome Edinburgh if they cross paths again.

Dunedin’s Underdog Spirit

Katy from Dunedin focused on the positive aspects of her team’s performance against the reigning champions, Strathclyde. “I am so proud of what they put out there because it was quality, they stuck to task and it’s showing improvement,” she said, indicating their progress and ambition in the league.

Strathclyde’s Unified Front

Strathclyde’s Frankie Doyle expressed satisfaction with the team’s composure and strategic play. “Our through court defence today was awesome,” Doyle praised, also highlighting the importance of the team’s cohesion. “We have built game on game in this league… Our focus is on our growth,” she added, with an eye on defending their title.