Issue 155

Netball fall short

08th May 2007

Cardiff 62 - Swansea 35

Swansea's netball team went into this year's Varsity competition as the underdogs, after losing to Cardiff earlier in the year in the Welsh Cup. Despite this all of the girls put in one hundred percent even though they had a couple of key players missing and managed to put up a valiant fight against an experienced Cardiff team.

Cardiff's experience shined through in the first quarter as they quickly took the lead, whilst Swansea struggled to find their feet. Cardiff took advantage of Swansea's slow start by scoring several goals in quick succession, by the end of the quarter though Swansea had begun to work out Cardiff's technique and started to slow down the pace of play. The first quarter ended with Cardiff 14 goals up on Swansea, at 19-5.

It was clear at the beginning of the second quarter that Swansea had warmed up and were beginning to act as more of a threat towards the confident Cardiff team. Swansea quickly took advantage of several turn overs and succeeded in producing numerous goals, yet despite this sudden surge Cardiff fought back and were able to take advantage of Swansea's mistakes. Once Cardiff had control of the ball they rapidly got it to their Goal Shooter who rarely missed a shot. Swansea worked hard to keep up the pressure on Cardiff, which surprised Cardiff captain Becky Oatley who commented that "Swansea was much stronger than expected." Especially when you consider last years Varsity defeat of 60-16 to Cardiff. The second quarter ended on 35-16 to Cardiff.

By the start of the third quarter Swansea was feeling the pressure, but that certainly didn't dampen their supporter's spirits, as they sang at the top of their lungs, "please don't take my Swansea away!" Cardiff continued to feel the pressure from Swansea, yet they still managed to intercept some of Swansea's passes and capitalise on a few overthrown balls.

Although Cardiff continued to produce goals, Swansea's good team communications also lead to eight goals. By the end of the third quarter Swansea was down 24 goals to Cardiff's 46.

In the last quarter the pace of both teams was significantly reduced as they both started to tire. Swansea continued to push on to the end, even though it was unlikely like that they would be able to catch up with Cardiff. Captain Nikki Maycock commended her team for their dedication, "they never gave up despite being incredibly tired." At full time the score came to 62-35 to Cardiff.

Cardiff was clearly excited by their victory over Swansea; Oatley declared "I'm feeling smelly but happy!" Both teams felt relieved that the competition was over and Maycock added, "we did much better than the previous time; we'll be back to challenge them next year!"

Dawn Lewis