Recap – National League Round 6
24th April 2025
Round 6 of National League saw another incredible day of netball, creating even more competition across the table.
Dunedin vs Scotstoun Storm
Dunedin delivered a dominant and consistent performance to secure a convincing win over Scotstoun Storm. They came out firing from the first centre pass, setting the tone with sharp transitions and clinical finishing to build an early lead. Their defensive pressure, led by GK Olivia McDonald, stifled Scotstoun’s attack and helped Dunedin take a commanding 13–5 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The momentum carried through the second quarter, with Dunedin’s fast-paced play and efficient ball movement proving too much for Scotstoun. Despite some lineup changes and moments of resistance from Storm, Dunedin extended their lead to 28–15 at halftime.
Scotstoun came out with renewed intensity in the third, scoring first and showing better composure. However, Dunedin’s attacking duo of Zoe Rennie and Melissa Oliver continued to click, and their strong defence limited Scotstoun’s scoring opportunities. The score stood at 43–26 heading into the final quarter.
Storm showed real fight in the last period, stepping up defensively and applying pressure that disrupted Dunedin’s flow for much of the quarter. But Dunedin responded with smart substitutions and regained control late, sealing the win 52–33. While Scotstoun had their moments—particularly in the final stretch—it was Dunedin’s pace, structure, and consistency that secured them a well-earned victory.
Scotland Saltires vs University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde delivered a dominant and composed performance to claim a commanding 54–33 win over Glasgow Saltires. From the first whistle, Strathclyde showed their intent with sharp ball movement and clinical finishing, pulling away in the first quarter to build an 18–10 lead.
They carried that momentum into the second quarter, extending their advantage with relentless pressure and smooth connections through the mid-court. Their defence disrupted Saltires’ flow, while Strathclyde’s shooters remained consistent, pushing the halftime score to 33–16.
Saltires brought renewed intensity in the third, upping their defensive efforts and briefly shaking Strathclyde’s rhythm. However, despite some missed chances, Strathclyde maintained control and composure, ending the quarter ahead 47–23.
The final quarter saw flashes of fight from Saltires, who worked hard to stem the flow, but Strathclyde’s depth and discipline proved too strong. All 12 players saw meaningful court time, showcasing the squad’s versatility and cohesion. Cara Beattie was particularly outstanding at Wing Defence, making a significant impact both with and without the ball.
A late surge, highlighted by sharp substitutions and pinpoint feeds into the circle, sealed the deal for Strathclyde. Though Saltires never gave in, it was Strathclyde’s all-court dominance and consistency that secured them a well-earned victory. With this win, they set up a highly anticipated showdown against Bellahouston in Round Seven, where the top spot will be on the line.
Glasgow University vs Edinburgh University
Edinburgh University delivered a commanding all-round performance to claim a comprehensive 73–25 win over Glasgow University in a classic varsity clash. From the opening whistle, Edinburgh took control, racing ahead with clinical finishing and cohesive attacking play, led by standout Wing Attack Katie Joslin’s sharp feeds into the circle.
Despite some early resistance from Glasgow, Edinburgh’s relentless pace and structured transitions overwhelmed their opponents. By halftime, Edinburgh had built a dominant 37–12 lead, with their defensive unit—anchored by Goalkeeper Flic Rome—shutting down Glasgow’s scoring chances and forcing repeated errors.
Glasgow showed moments of resilience, particularly in the third quarter with tighter marking and improved defensive effort, but Edinburgh’s depth and composure ensured they remained in full control. Tactical changes in the final quarter didn’t slow Edinburgh down, as their consistency and intensity carried through to the final whistle.
A final surge saw them stretch the margin to 73–25, sealing an emphatic win. It was a full team performance from Edinburgh, with sharp execution in attack, disciplined defence, and dominance across all four quarters.
Bellahouston vs Edinburgh Accies
In the final match of the day, Edinburgh Accies faced the undefeated Bellahouston in what promised to be a blockbuster game — and it did not disappoint. It was Accies who rose to the occasion, delivering a confident and commanding performance to hand Bellahouston their first loss of the season with a 72–46 victory.
Bellahouston started strong, putting away the first three goals and dictating the early tempo. But Accies held firm under pressure, disrupting play with sharp defensive work and slick movement in attack. Their Goal Shooter was clinical under the post, and by the end of the quarter, Accies had snatched a narrow 16–14 lead.The second quarter saw both sides trading goals in a high-intensity, end-to-end contest. Bellahouston worked hard to regain control, but Accies remained composed, making tactical adjustments in mid-court that helped them pull away slightly. They entered the halftime break leading 30–24.
After the restart, Accies stepped on the gas. A burst of goals early in the third reasserted their dominance, with their quick ball movement and defensive pressure causing problems for Bellahouston. By the end of the quarter, the gap had grown to 49–38.
In the final 15 minutes, Accies hit top gear. Their pace and precision through the centre third left Bellahouston with few answers. With their Goal Shooter continuing to convert almost flawlessly, Accies surged ahead, sealing a convincing 72–46 win and closing out the National League Day in style.
National League Round 7
Round 7 of National League will be played at Glasgow University, on Sunday 27 April where Bellahouston will play Strathclyde Uni, Edinburgh Accies face Glasgow Saltires, Dunedin take on Glasgow Uni and Scotstoun Storm go up against Edinburgh Uni. Get your tickets HERE
