Strathclyde University and Bellahouston set for National League semi-final showdown
15th May 2026
Strathclyde University and Bellahouston will meet this weekend for a place in the National League Grand Final, with both sides carrying strong form and belief into a huge semi-final contest.
Strathclyde head into the match after an impressive regular season, winning six of their seven fixtures and securing their place near the top end of the standings.
Their campaign included a 60-49 victory over Bellahouston in Round 2, but both sides have continued to build since then. Bellahouston arrive with serious momentum of their own, having won four matches and drawn with unbeaten Edinburgh University since that earlier meeting.
Strathclyde features an expereinced line-up despite its modest average age. Lexy Gillies has been a regular Thistles squad member over the past 12 months, Bethan Goodwin has 50 plus caps for the Thistles while Lucy Holmes and Rebecca macdonald were both NWYC squad members. On the flip side Bellahouston has plenty of knowledge to draw on from the likes of Thistles centurion Claire Maxwell, recent debutant Jaz Moore as well as Beth Logan, Rebecca Metcalfe and a welcome return this week for star GS Emma Creighton.
The winner will progress to the Grand Final in a fortnight’s time, where they will face either Edinburgh University or Edinburgh Accies.
Strathclyde backing resilience and composure
For Strathclyde Head Coach Rachel Cremin, the regular season has shown that her squad has the qualities required for a high-pressure semi-final.
“The rounds showed us that this group is resilient and adaptable. We’ve faced different challenges throughout the season and the players have consistently found ways to respond under pressure.”
Cremin believes that ability to stay calm and connected in key moments will be vital this weekend.
“Semi-finals are usually decided by discipline, composure, and execution. For us, the focus is on controlling the moments we can influence — staying connected defensively, being clinical with our opportunities, and maintaining our game plan for the full 60 minutes.”
Alex Craig of Strathclyde University
www.craigwatson.co.uk
A place in the final on the line
For Strathclyde, reaching another National League Final would mean more than just another fixture on the calendar. It would be recognition of the work put in across the club throughout the season.
“It would mean a great deal for everyone connected to the club,” said Cremin. “The players, coaches and club have invested a huge amount throughout the season, and reaching another National League Final would be a reward for that commitment.”
Captain Lucy Holmes says the mood in the squad is one of determination, with the team clear on what is at stake.
“We’re determined. We’ve worked incredibly hard to get where we are right now, and we want to ensure it pays off. There’s excitement, and a clear focus on what we want to achieve both at training and when we step out on court.”
Emma Keith of Strathclyde University www.craigwatson.co.uk
Captain confident in close-knit group
As captain, Holmes knows her role will be important in helping the group handle the pressure of a finals match.
“Being a calming, dominant presence on court is going to be important, to allow everyone to thrive. We’re a close-knit team already, so reinforcing connecting with each other on court, and backing each other up throughout will be key.”
She added that belief within the squad remains strong as Strathclyde look to book their place in the Grand Final.
“I am extremely privileged to lead this team alongside Lexy, and work closely with Rach and Frankie. This group is incredible and work so hard. I’m excited to see what we can do.
“We’ve previously been in this position and we know how hard we’ll have to work to secure our place in the final. I have no doubt the girls will bring that fight.”
Bellahouston Captain Rebecca Metcalfe.
www.craigwatson.co.uk
Bellahouston bringing depth, grit and momentum
Bellahouston Head Coach Fiona Metcalfe believes her side have taken important lessons from the regular season, particularly around the strength of the squad and their ability to adapt when matches get tight.
“From the regular season, we have learned that we have strength and depth in our squad, which allows us to make impactful changes and brings variation to our style. We have also learned that we can grind out a result when extra grit is needed.”
That resilience could be crucial in a semi-final where small moments often decide the outcome. For Metcalfe, Bellahouston’s physical preparation gives the squad confidence heading into the weekend.
“We know our physical fitness is excellent and this allows us to focus on being mentally tough in the key moments.”
Bellahouston already have silverware to show for their season, having won the GNA league, but Metcalfe says the squad are hungry to take another step forward in National League.
“Our season has been a successful one already by winning the GNA league. Going one, or two, places better than last year’s third place would be the cherry on top for Netball Bella.”
The National League Grand Final will be held at the Glasgow International Arena (formerly Emirates Arena) on Saturday May 30 at 12.15pm.
First Centre Pass is from 10.00am at the Pleasance Sports Stadium, University of Edinburgh
Tickets via Fanbase: Strathclyde University vs Bellahouston Tickets
Live Stream via Netball Scotland’s YouTube Page: Coverage from 9.55am
