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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In a highly anticipated warm-up match before the forthcoming Netball World Cup, the Scottish Thistles clashed with Wales in a gripping encounter that demonstrated their determination and growth as they prepare for the prestigious tournament in South Africa.

With their sights set on performance rather than winning, the Scottish Thistles approached this warm-up match with a clear goal in mind, as head coach Tamsin Greenway explained. “The goal is always to perform, it’s never about winning at this stage. I mean, the win is nice, but we are trying combinations, and as long as we are performing on the things we are working on, then I’ll be happy.”

The history between the Scottish Thistles and Wales added an extra layer of significance to this encounter. Despite showcasing undeniable talent in previous encounters such as the Commonwealth Games and World Cup qualifiers, the Scottish squad had yet to secure victories against Wales. This match presented an opportunity for them to make a statement.

From the opening whistle, the game unfolded as a display of skill, determination, and resilience from both teams. The scoreboard remained close as both sides exchanged goals and exhibited impressive defensive prowess. The intensity on the court was palpable as the players left no stone unturned in their quest for victory in this warm-up clash.

In the end, Wales emerged victorious with a 56-52 scoreline over the Scottish Thistles. Despite the loss, head coach Tamsin Greenway reflected on the match, emphasising the importance of this particular training camp. “Camp 4 was a really important one for us to measure ourselves against a different opposition. Although I was disappointed with the loss, we had 11 players on court and got to try out some styles of play we’d been working on. Wales challenged us in so many ways and has really helped us with our preparation a few weeks out from the Netball World Cup. We have one more camp to go!”

09.07.23 – Welsh Feathers v Scottish Thistles, Netball World Cup Warm-up Match –

09.07.23 – Welsh Feathers v Scottish Thistles, Netball World Cup Warm-up Match –

Several standout performances caught the eye of the head coach. Emma Love and Emma Barrie, who entered the match and made significant contributions, showcased their skill and impact on the game. Additionally, Iona, who handled the physicality she faced admirably, and Cerys Finn, returning to the court after an ankle injury, were noted for their contributions to the team’s performance.

With another camp on the horizon, the Scottish Thistles are focused on their continued preparations before flying out to Cape Town at the end of the month. Follow their journey on social media to show your support for Scotland as they gear up for the highly anticipated Netball World Cup.