University Match Report (1)

Courageous Cakes Conquer Wasteful Worcester

UCB

UCB’s Netball 2^nd team oust the Worcester 4's in a hard fought victory to move up to second in the Midlands 6A league at the Maltings Sports Hall.

University of Worcester

Richie Mills on February 15^th 2012.

The Women’s Netball 2^nd team took to the court ahead of the 2:00pm kickoff in an understandably boisterous and confident mood against Worcester’s 4^th team. This was due in part to their comprehensive 33-18 win in the reverse fixture just two months before in addition to their superior league position.
This assertive manner was increasingly evident as the home side flew out of the blocks, demonstrating swift, fastidious plays which proved to be too much for the opposition who were engulfed by wave after wave of clinical attacks.

Worcester fought valiantly to turn the tide but with the conclusion of the first quarter, they were staring at a daunting 6-1 deficit. The stellar defensive exertions of goalkeeper Holli T were crucial however in thwarting Worcester’s sporadic advances into their half which may have led to a less one-sided first 15 minutes of play.

Worcester restarted play refreshed and reinvigorated with three quick surges towards the Netball posts but were repeatedly foiled by the home team’s persistent defence, although admittedly weren’t helped by poor shooting. They were then made to rue their missed opportunities thanks to goal shooter Emma B’s quick thinking followed not long after by the best move of the match.
The Worcester defence was cut to ribbons in a move involving the entire team and as a result were left trailing in UCB’s wake to take an 8-1 lead.
The game entered a period of indiscipline and errors from both sides before Worcester were once again denied through a combination of strong defence and reckless shooting.

This was becoming a familiar recurrence as once again the home team countered on the break with two quick scores in succession, taking the tally to 10-1. With the clock counting down to the end of the second quarter, Worcester caught UCB unawares by grabbing two surprise goals to bring proceedings to a close at 10-3 with one half gone.

Sophie Andrew appeared to be nursing a niggling injury and was replaced by Amy W at centre. Perhaps more telling though was the decision to appoint Worcester's erratic goal keeper to the position of goal shooter! To those casual netball fans, such as myself, this may have come as quite a shock as to me it appeared Iker Casillas had just switched to striker in Karim Benzema’s place! Though not literally....
This intrepid move brought instant results as the new goal shooter caught the ‘Cakes’ cold with 3 of the next 4 goals.
Coach Jane Abbey’s team had to weather the storm somewhat under a barrage of improved Worcester play. A much needed and timely UCB recovery ensued which culminated with long range efforts from goal attacker Chloe Green and a quick fire treble from sharp shooter Emma Brown for a 15-7 3^rd quarter lead.

The previous quarter’s efforts were beginning to take its toll on both teams with a few more uncharacteristic loose passes, but crucially the more efficient and organised Brummies were able to make their opponents lament their wastefulness. The home side were controlling the tempo of the game against a side whose only attacking ploy was to pump it forward to their goal shooter with every opportunity. Both sides traded scores before another flowing move gave UCB a 10 point cushion at 21-11 as their rivals defence parted like the red sea.
With the clock winding down, the win was all but secured. Though the scoreline was a comprehensive 24-14 UCB victory, the game proved to be a hard fought, and at times, arduous encounter that saw the home side   leapfrog past local rivals Birmingham City into 2^nd place in the league table.
The player’s player of the match was awarded to goal attack Chloe Green who weighed in with an impressive 9 goals with the captain’s pick going to wing attack Olivia.

A transitional year is in place for this side, upon entering a new league, but with five wins from seven games, their confidence will surely be growing and with team performances like this the University of Harper Adam’s unbeaten run will surely be severely tested come February 29th!

Team Sheet:
Goalkeeper – Holly T, Goal defence – Amy S, Centre – Sophie Andrew (Amy W),
Wing Defence – Emily H (Emma W), Wing Attack - Olivia , Goal Attack – Chloe Green,
Goal shooter – Emma Brown.