The Inter Netball Team met Carrick Academy in the NI Bowl semi-final on Friday 15th March. It was a very nerve-wracking time for both players and coach!
Both teams were set on a place in the final and as such put in maximal effort from the first whistle.
Carrick scored first, but we soon replied! The two teams were quite evenly matched and it took a lot of skill to ensure we retained as much ball as possible. A very fast first quarter left the teams at 5-5. After a quick talk, we made one change due to illness, Jessica Foy was replaced by Eloise McDonagh. We then took to the court again. The dynamic of the game shifted slightly in our favour in this quarter largely due to the lack of discipline from the opposition. Our players had been able to ‘get into their heads’ and so cause repetitive infractions to be made. By half time, we were ahead by 1 point. 10-9.
Half time saw the girls talking about their tactics and how they were going to ensure the ball stayed away from Carrick’s very tall goal shooter. Emma Fawcett and the team’s captain, Anna Cairns in defence, ensured that potential attacks were prevented or disrupted.
With Jodie Thompson, Eloise McDonagh and Lucie-Anne Abbott working well together to pass the ball through to our attacking circle and make important interceptions, our shooters stood up to the demand. Both Eve Balfour and Maria Bullock were quietly confident in the circle and coped very well with the pressure of the game. It was 15-13 by the end of the third quarter.
The girls had the prize in their eyes – a place in the final – they were determined not to let this game slip away from them. Every last one dug deep and found the extra reserves they needed in order to complete the last 10 minutes. At one point , we were 4 goals ahead, then – Carrick found their mojo. And we were getting worried. The goal difference narrowed to 1 point again. Sticking to the belief they had in themselves, the team changed gear in the last few minutes. They intercepted and passed strongly amongst each other and it all worked beautifully. The final result was 22-20 seconds.
Congratulations to them all.
They will now go through to the Finals day on Wednesday along side the senior girls.
