Issue 147

Classy Cardiff Net Victory

23rd October 2006

A defiant Swansea Netball team were defeated in their first match of the season by old rivals Cardiff, played in the Sketty Lane Sports Hall. This game was always going to be intense, featuring every detail you'd expect to see in a derby grudge match and certainly didn't disappoint. Swansea led a strong campaign throughout aided by their motivational captain Nikki Maycock who, at Wing Defence, was inspirational in both defence and attack. This was backed up by some free flowing moves she created from set pieces. However, they were ultimately defeated by a Cardiff team who were quick to capitalise on pressure in the Swansea circle, and were gifted with the good accuracy of their captain and Goal Shooter Sophie Davies.

The first quarter was frantic and full of energy with both teams making a good start, Swansea were quick to gain the advantage and scored a goal in the second minute but Cardiff replied almost immediately with one of their own. Excellent set plays came from Swansea who reacted to pressure from Cardiff and they quickly dominated proceedings, leading to three-goals contributed by Goal Shooter Williams, and Goal Attack Northcott. This gave Swansea a 7-6 advantage at the whistle.

Swansea's dominance continued at the beginning of the second quarter with a goal in the 18th second, with Cardiff's Goal Attack replying almost immediately and another quick succession of goals from both sides. Cardiff then began to turn the screw and despite good communication between Swansea's Captain and Wing Attack Stephens; they scored a burst of seven goals many coming from Captain Davies. However, a resurgent Swansea rallied to score two goals in the death of the quarter to bring the score to 12-19 to Cardiff.

The third quarter saw Cardiff pile on the pressure and Swansea struggled to maintain momentum, unaided by the loss of Stephens and Goal Defence Mellors, both of whom were forced off the court due to injury. Captain Maycock stepped in to become Goal Defence, not her usual position by any means, but like any good captain she raised her game. Consequently the defensive effort from Swansea was superb. However a succession of quick goals by Cardiff's Goal Attack was enough for the away side to ease away from Swansea at the end of the period stretching their lead to 17-29. The last quarter saw a Swansea fight back, helped by a determined Maycock who orchestrated set piece play and the extraordinary accuracy of newly placed Williams at Goal Shooter. Both teams produced attractive netball, but it was Cardiff who were ultimately victorious, with their captain leading from the front with an impressive individual goal tally.

Perhaps the final score was unflattering to a new Swansea team but coach Sian Williams was still pleased with the performance and said, "It's the simple things that cost us goals, but I'm very proud of the girls". Captain Maycock also added her praise, "We fought all the way and didn't give up, and for a new team we played well, and will still be positive going into our next game".

Emina Redzepovic