We are rounding up the thrilling highlights from Netball Scotland’s National League season opener

The buzz of excitement echoed through Emirates Arena in Glasgow yesterday, 22nd October, as Scotland’s premier netball league, the National League, commenced its fresh season.
As the top netball league in Scotland, its significance in growing the sport was evident from the performances on court and the passion off it.

As teams took to the court to set the tone for what promises to be a riveting contest the importance of this league in the elevation of netball in Scotland resonated with every pass, goal, and interception on the court.

Match Results:

Dunedin 35 – 43 Bellahouston

Edinburgh Accies 56 – 53 Saltires

Glasgow Uni 24 – 52 Edinburgh Uni

A Blend of Experience and Fresh Talent

The league showcases a diverse talent pool, from seasoned national players to the rising stars of tomorrow. With seven performance teams participating, the breadth of talent is vast. Notables like Emily Nicholl and Claire Maxwell, established figures in the national scene, share the court with up-and-coming talents like Jazmine Moore, from the U21 Scotland squad. This mix promises electric matches as seasoned professionals rub shoulders with university and club players eager to make their mark, gaining invaluable exposure in the process.

As emphasised by coaches and players alike, this league remains paramount in the growth and recognition of netball in Scotland.

Close Calls and Newfound Strengths

Saltires, bolstered by their performance, reduced the margin of their last meeting’s 13-goal loss against Edinburgh Accies to just three. Lucy Gaw, a U21 Scotland star and pivotal player for Saltires, reflected on their improved performance: “We just stuck our structures, played our own game and it was a really good physical game today.

I think a performance like that is great for us as a team heading into the National League this season; We have improved so much since last season; our last meeting was a 13-goal loss to Accies and this was just 3 today.”

Saltires Cat MacDonald moving the ball through the mid-court

Jo Pettitt of Edinburgh Accies resonated with the intensity of the competition: “It was a very close game from start to finish… I don’t think you can be surprised in the National League with teams putting up that number of goals; we knew they’ve had very strong shooters.”

Edinburgh Accies tip the game in their favour.

Rising to the Occasion

The sentiment of competition and growth was echoed by Edinburgh University’s Head Coach, Trish Wilcox, who stated, “Our goal this season is to be competitive against every team, this is the top competition in Scotland with the best players in the best clubs.” It’s evident that every match in this league is not just about the final whistle but about growth, exposure, and development.

Kelly Boyle, the Head Coach of Glasgow University, who recently transitioned into the role, commended her team’s resilience and adaptability: “Playing at this level in Scotland is what we want and it is what we need to develop so I am proud and we stood up to the challenge today.”

Looking Ahead

With the first round serving as an appetiser of the exciting clashes that await, teams, players, and fans are geared up for a season that promises unmatched intensity and skill. As each team progresses, it’s not just about the trophies but about laying the foundation for elite netball in Scotland.

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Match Report: Scotland v Fiji

Scotland stepped back on court today after their first day off since the competition began six days ago.

In their sixth clash with Fiji at a World Cup, Scottish Thistles had something to prove and a win to secure if they were to stay on track with a top ten finish. The last time Scotland finished within top ten was 1991.

Their last meeting was a solid win from Fiji 51-41 at the 2015 Netball World Cup in Sydney for 11^th/12^th playoff where only Claire Maxwell from Thistles squad was present.

Today was a chance for the Scottish Thistles to show their growth on the world stage and secure a playoff spot higher than their previous finishes of 11^th in 2019 and 12^th in 2015.

Tamsin Greenway explained her game plan heading into the match “they were a targeted team for us so we wanted to beat them. Fiji and Barbados were the games we thought we could go for.”

Scotland coaches used their pre-match training well orchestrating a match with Fiji days before the 16th Netball World Cup kicked off in Cape Town.

“It was great having a pre-match against Fiji, it was really helpful to build the confidence coming into the competition.”

A change to what has been a consistent starting seven was backed up with a strong focus on attack according to Greenway,

“The game plan was very much in the attack end which is unlike us but that was our focus. We’ve been working on getting around the box and understanding what ball can go in and so that focus was very much on us and how we can use the width and how we opened up some space in the attacking end.”

“We started strongly, and we got that 7-1 lead but you can’t keep winning ball off teams. It was closer at half time that we would have liked because we didn’t win any ball in that second quarter, and we didn’t adjust necessarily to their defensive style quick enough so that was a tough one.”

“Defensively we knew it was going to be that rotating circle which is exciting at times and really hard to shut down so we knew we would struggle at winning ball if we didn’t stick to some structures. The plan was to try and at least get some good first phase and second phase landings so then we could slip into our defensive position which I think other than the second quarter we did a really good job at.”

Fiji used their bench throughout the match, but Greenway says they expected that and were prepared;

“We talked about that, we knew that was going to happen, it’s the way they play but actually our focus was very much on us today and how we were going to manage what we were doing out on the court. I think it cost them in the end because they made so many changes it didn’t help them with any momentum. The focus was very much on how we wanted to play the game and work that out rather than worry about who was coming on and off.”

“At half-time is where the real impact was felt in terms of the tactical information we wanted them to take on. I think giving Emily Nicholl some time on the bench to look at the game and then re-enter was key.”

Greenway points to some tactical changes from her that influenced the match;

“We wouldn’t usually put Hannah Grant in at goal keeper against some teams because she doesn’t match up with the height but I thought this was her game and that move really helped to shut down options.”

“Hannah Leighton was my player of the match for how she kept us in the game at times, how she won ball. I think that is she can be really dangerous across both positions because she can open some stuff in attack but we know that shift of hers to wing defence is a lethal one, the wing attacks really have a tough job on their hands.”

Q1: 13-8

Q2: 29-26 (16 -18)

Q3: 45-39 (16-13)

Q4: 62-46 (17-7)

Player of the Match – Niamh McCall

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 03: Player of the Match Niamh McCall of Scotland during the Netball World Cup 2023, Pool F match between Fiji and Scotland at Cape Town International Convention Centre Court 2 on August 03, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Shaun Royn/Gallo Images/Netball World Cup 2023)

Scotland have one final match in their World Cup campaign:

Scotland v Wales

9^th/10^th Playoff

Saturday 5^th August

As the Netball World Cup approaches, the spotlight is shining on the talented athletes who will be competing on the international stage. One name that stands out among the rising stars is Emily Nicholl, Scottish international netballer known for her relentless playing style and unwavering determination. In an exclusive interview, Emily reveals her insights and experiences, offering a glimpse into her development as both an athlete and a person.

Reflecting on the opportunities that have shaped her career, Emily acknowledges the significance of major competitions such as the Commonwealth Games. “I think a lot of the girls have now been to a Commonwealth Games, which is a really good opportunity,” she shares. “But the World Cup is different. All the focus is on netball, and there are lots of fans who just want to see the netballers. It’s important to stay within your group and focus on the day-to-day tasks, rather than getting ahead of yourself and thinking about who we might be playing.”

When asked about her growth as an athlete, Emily emphasizes the profound impact of mental changes alongside the physical ones. Her journey began with a pivotal moment when Tamsin Greenway, head coach for Scottish Thistles, urged her to introduce herself as an athlete first. “That totally flipped a switch for me and changed the way I live my life,” Emily reveals. This change in perspective drives her standards day in and day out, empowering her to become a formidable force on the court.

Emily also highlights the growth in game intelligence within the Scottish squad. Drawing on the lessons learned from the Commonwealth Games, she expresses pride in the team’s progress. “We’ve become a lot smarter in how we play the game,” she states confidently. The combination of experience and learning has equipped them to excel in pressure moments and make strategic decisions on the court.

In a rare opportunity, Nicholl spent 3 weeks training with SSN Champions West Coast Fever at the end of last year. From her time with the Fever, she absorbed the importance of intensity and training at 100% in every moment. The dedication of her teammates, always pushing themselves to the limit, made a lasting impression. Emily admits that she and her Scottish teammates are striving to bring this level of intensity into their own environment.

From a coaching perspective, Tamsin Greenway has instilled in Emily the value of being a student of the game. The relentless pursuit of improvement and the understanding that success is not solely based on physical abilities have transformed Emily’s approach. The strength of the team lies not only in individual talents but also in the unity and strategic planning that Tamsin emphasises.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, Emily conveys the squad’s aspirations. Although it is the first World Cup for many, it marks the second major championship under Tamsin’s guidance. With a competitive mindset, the Scottish team is determined to challenge the 5th-8th bracket. “There’s no reason why we can’t do that,” Emily asserts confidently. Their journey begins with a match against Malawi, where they aim to showcase their prowess and secure a victory.

Emily Nicholl represents the future of Scottish netball, a determined athlete committed to continuous growth and success. As she prepares to take the court at the Netball World Cup, all eyes will be on this rising star, whose unwavering spirit and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring netballers worldwide.

It’s been one week in Perth for Emily Nicholl and she has taken to the beach life the same way she takes to court – fearlessly.

“I can’t believe it’s only been a week, I feel like I’ve been here for ages and have settled in really well. The girls have been super welcoming which has really helped and I am enjoying the intensity of the training sessions.”

“After my first court session with Fever I thought to myself  ‘I did that and I didn’t stand out in terms of being way below the standard’. It was just really fun to be working at the level of intensity’.”

Soaking up the culture and environment in the home of Netball, Nicholl thinks back to when to commonwealth games this summer and the journey ahead;

“When we sung the national anthem at commonwealth games before playing Australia I remember having this moment of realisation that I am literally living my dream, I am playing for Scotland and I am about to go to Perth, Australia.”

Australia v Scottish Thistles
Emily Nichol
© Craig Watson

Emily is making the most of her time in Australia living the full-time athlete lifestyle half way around the world;

“I am loving the lifestyle the most, having the time to totally recover and relax when I am not at netball so that when I am back in training, I am totally fresh.”

“A typical day is quite varied, today I had a GD specialist session with Dan (Ryan) and Kim Jenner working on areas individual to us.”

“The biggest change is going to the beach for a recovery session. Just being able to focus on that has been amazing.”

Emily will be back and playing with Strathclyde Sirens next season.

Tickets are on sale now via fanbase – Click here for more details.

Netball Scotland today confirmed that Goal-Defence, Emily Nicholl will spend the next three weeks with West Coast Fever.

The Perth franchise, led by Head Coach Dan Ryan and Captain Courtney Bruce made history last season by securing their first Suncorp Super Netball premiership, defeating Melbourne Vixens 70-59 in front more than 13,900 fans at Perth’s RAC Arena.

Travelling straight from the SPAR Diamond Challenge in South Africa, Emily headed to Perth, Australia.

“I am so fortunate to be given the opportunity to go to Australia for 3 weeks and train with West Coast Fever. To experience life as a full-time athlete is a dream come true for me.”

“I’ve known about this for a long time and when I was first told about it, I just cried. My mum asked what was wrong and I told her my dreams are coming true.”

“Waking up in Australia the day after playing South Africa was a bit of a whirlwind but it was great to get involved straight away. I headed to the Netball Centre where I met all of the Fever girls who were so welcoming.”

“I am really looking forward to getting thrown into a new environment, new pressures, new challenges and bring that experience back to the Thistles group.”

Emily training with West Coast Fever

“I want to measure myself up against the best, so it is going to be a big challenge and humbling experience to see what it’s like to play against those girls.

I am here with the purpose of finding out what we need to do as Scottish Thistles to push to that higher level, but I will also be a fan-girl at the same time.”

“It’s fortunate having Dan Ryan as head coach as I know him a little from playing in the Netball Super League and Sue Gaudion also came into the Sirens environment a few years back. I am exciting to completely immerse myself in their culture and get to know all the girls.”

While the rest of her teammates flew home to focus on Netball Super League pre-season Scottish Thistles head coach, Tamsin Greenway explains;

“We have really tried to be creative about the whole programme at Netball Scotland.

Back before the Suncorp and ANZ existed lots of UK players used to be pushed out there to go and train and get some exposure.”

“This is the start of the journey for us, it’s great for Emily and great for the other players that will get opportunities over the next few seasons.”

“We are always looking for new ways to expose them, to help them experience and understand different environments, different cultures, different ways of playing, different coaching. Understanding that I am not a mean coach all the time and that there are people out there that will be just as direct and strong in their opinions in the ways that they want you to play.  “

“If we don’t create these opportunities how on earth are we going to get better and bridge the gap and actually go to places like South Africa and say ok we are here to win. This is about improving our players, and something we want to build on in terms of relationships with clubs and players.”

“It will also be a new start for Netball Scotland to push forward on where they want to be on the world stage.”

Scottish Thistles will compete in the Netball World Cup 2023 in Cape Town South Africa.

Strathclyde Sirens league will kick off February 2023.

Fixtures and tickets are available to buy now.

The Scottish Thistles finished second place in SPAR Diamond Challenge today after a gritty fight with South Africa ended 54-36 to the hosts.

The teams went goal for goal in the first quarter, with the South Africa winning the quarter 10-8.

However, five minutes into the second quarter, the Thistles drew level on 13-all and then went into the lead for the first time after a tactical change in the shooting circle.

They maintained the lead for much of the quarter before a flurry of goals saw the SPAR Proteas claw their way back into the lead ahead again, for a halftime score of 23-20.

Captain Claire Maxwell comments on the ability of South Africa to turn the game around in the last quarter.

“Their speed on the transition was lightning fast and I think they got their centre pass structures back towards the end. For us it’s just about slowing them down and making sure we play our style of the game and when we do win ball we punish them at the other end.”

It was a fast-paced match, with both sides achieving several turnovers, which sent the spectators into ecstasy. There were also several errors on both sides, but both teams left the court believing they had benefited from the match.

Thistles coach Tamsin Greenway was delighted with Scotland’s performance.

“We went out hard because we were the underdogs and had nothing to lose.  They started so well, and I have said to them that they need to learn to play as they did in the first half for the whole match.”

“We’ve learnt so much from this tournament and we now believe we have the ability to challenge other teams. We were too slow against Zimbabwe yesterday, but we really attacked today. Now we need to work on our fitness levels.”

Vice Captain, Emily Nicholl adds;

“We always knew we had that performance in us. We don’t get the wear the Thistles dress that often and this was the last chance in 2022 so we had a lot to prove to ourselves and to put out a performance that we are proud of and we did that for the most part.

“The things to get us to the next level are all within our control so now we know what we need to work on to come back and challenge at the World Cup.”

Claire Maxwell, wing defence was named player of the match for her relentless effort throughout the match. Commenting after the match she said;

“It has been great to come out here and compete against such strong opposition. I think we showed for much of the match that we can compete with the best.”

“But now it’s time to go home and work on pushing ourselves to produce a full 60 minutes performance.”

Iona Christian, who plays wing-attack and centre was named centre court player of the tournament.

SCORE BREAKDOWN

South Africa vs Scotland

Q1: South Africa 10 – 8 Scotland

Q2: South Africa 24 – 20 Scotland

Q3: South Africa 35 – 28 Scotland

Q4: South Africa 54 – 36 Scotland

Full replay is available on Netball Scotland Recast channel – https://watch.recast.tv/user/GyY0m