National League Semi-Final Preview: Edinburgh University v Edinburgh Accies
15th May 2026
Edinburgh University and Edinburgh Accies meet this Saturday with a place in the National League Grand Final on the line.
After seven rounds of regular season action, Edinburgh University finished top of the standings, sealing first place with victory over Strathclyde University in the final round.
Edinburgh Accies also come into the semi-final with momentum, securing their place in the top four after a strong finish to the season and a key win over Glasgow University.
The winner will progress to the National League Grand Final in a fortnight’s time, where they will face either Bellahouston or Strathclyde University.
A host of players with both senior and junior international experience will feature in both teams; Thistles Captain Emily Nicholl will play for EU alongside Netball World Youth Cup participant Holly Turnbull and current Thistles squad members Mia Matthewson and Felicity Rome. For Accies, verteran shooting pair and Thistles alumni Jo Pettitt and Gemma Sole will be key to their sides chances and their battle in the circle against Nicholl and Rome will be compulsory viewing.
Edinburgh University aiming to peak at the right time
Edinburgh University enter the semi-final as defending champions and will be looking to continue their push towards a third consecutive National League Final.
Their Round Two meeting with Accies ended in a convincing 64–35 victory, but semi-finals often bring a different level of intensity, pressure and expectation.
Head Coach Trish Wilcox believes her squad has grown throughout the season and is beginning to show the connection needed at the business end of the competition.
“What we have learned from the regular season is that, as a very new group, it takes time to build new connections. We have learned to be patient, trust the process and take the learnings from each match into the next.
“The group’s performances have improved gradually throughout the season, so they are now peaking at just the right time. Acknowledging how far we have come from the start of the season gives the group enormous confidence going into the semi-final.”
For Wilcox, the focus this weekend is clear.
“We are focusing on doing the basics well, everyone doing their own job within the team structures and individually, while staying in the present moment.”
With a Grand Final place at stake, there is also added emotion for a squad looking to retain their title and give departing players a fitting finish.
“As reigning champions, it would be amazing for the players and the wider club to reach the Grand Final and compete to retain our title.
“We have players graduating from university this year who have been with the club for four years and have made huge contributions to the club’s success, so it would be wonderful for them to finish their time at the club on a high.”
Heidi Dawson of Edinburgh University
www.craigwatson.co.uk
Rome ready to lead from the front
Edinburgh University captain Felicity Rome says the squad is embracing the challenge of finals netball, with a strong mix of experience and fresh energy within the group.
“We’re incredibly excited for the semi-finals but also very focused. Training has been a great mix of enjoyment and buzz, alongside intensity and giving our all.
“It’s a great balance of experienced players who have been in pressured stages like this before, with new players who haven’t experienced it yet, and that is bringing the team even closer together.”
Having played in tight semi-finals and finals before, Rome sees her role as helping create calm and clarity under pressure.
“I like to keep us in the present and looking inward instead of outward, whether that is desired results or players on other teams.
“I believe focusing not only on our play and our ability, but also on our control of our emotions, is integral to achieving our goals.”
Rome says leading the group into another National League Final would mean a great deal, particularly after a season of change.
“Being defending back-to-back champions, it would mean so incredibly much to reach our third consecutive National League Final.
“Leading this group is a privilege I never take for granted. I truly believe we can go all the way. We may be a new squad from last year, but we have proven through this competition that we are a team of fight and passion.”
Accies embracing the opportunity
For Edinburgh Accies, this semi-final represents another chance to test themselves on the biggest domestic stage.
Head Coach Kerry Walsh-Jones says her squad has developed belief through the regular season by focusing on the small moments that shape matches.
“One of the biggest things we’ve learned is that pressure isn’t created in one big moment — it’s built through lots of small ones.
“Every pass, every communication, every intercept, every possession is an opportunity to apply pressure and shift momentum, and that mindset has become a real strength for us.”
Accies finished fourth in the regular season, but Walsh-Jones believes that has given the group ownership of their opportunity.
“Finishing fourth has effectively put us in the driving seat to create our own destiny heading into this semi-final.
“There’s a real sense within the group about the legacy we want to leave on court this season, and that gives us confidence and belief going into a big game.”
This weekend, composure and connection will be key.
“Semi-finals often come down to composure and decision-making, so for us the focus is staying calm, connected and fully committed to the game plan for all four quarters.
“At this stage of the season, it’s the teams that stay disciplined, adapt well and trust each other in key moments that usually come out on top.”
Accies Captain Beth Weir
www.craigwatson.co.uk
Weir: “It’s the whole club that’s built this moment”
Accies captain Beth Weir says the mood in the squad is positive, focused and full of belief after a strong end to the regular season.
“There’s excitement, but more than anything there’s a strong sense of belief and togetherness within the group.
“Over the last few weeks especially, we’ve become really connected on and off the court, and that’s come from growing through challenges, adapting in tough moments and trusting the work we’ve put in.”
As captain, Weir sees her role as keeping the group grounded when the pressure rises.
“My role is to keep the group focused on the process, not the occasion or the opposition.
“In big games it’s easy to get pulled into outcome thinking, so it’s about bringing it back to what we can control — our communication, work rate and execution.”
For Weir, a Grand Final place would represent more than one result. It would reflect the wider work being done across the club.
“It’s not just the players who take the court on Saturday, it’s the whole club that’s built this moment.
“There’s real belief within the group, but it comes from the work we’ve done and the experiences we’ve had. We know we’ll need to be at our best, and we’re excited for the challenge.”
A place in the Grand Final awaits
Edinburgh University will be looking to use their top-place finish and finals experience to take another step towards retaining their title.
Edinburgh Accies arrive with momentum, belief and a squad that has grown stronger through challenge.
With a National League Grand Final place on the line, this all-Edinburgh semi-final promises intensity, pride and a serious test of composure across four quarters.
First Centre Pass is from 12.15pm at the Pleasance Sports Stadium, University of Edinburgh
Tickets via Fanbase: Edinburgh University vs Accies Tickets
Live Stream via Netball Scotland’s YouTube Page: Coverage from 12.10pm
