On Monday 19th February our Junior Netball Squad travelled to Lisburn Racquets Club to face Carrick Grammar in the ¼ final of the Division 2 League Competition.
The girls were down a usual squad member, but they didn’t let that deter them. Instead, we shuffled players around a little to give us as strong a chance as possible as we headed into the match.
The first quarter was very much a ‘feeling’ out period where each team tried a few things to see how the other responded. By doing this, we finished the first quarter 3-2 ahead. This was not to last, however. The Carrick team had seen where we had a few cracks and they used this to their advantage. Half time saw the score as 5-4 in Carrick’s favour.
After the half, we were still trying to solve a few issues which kept us from getting the ball into our shooting circle as much as we wanted. A couple of mis-timed passes and shots on goal made for frustration which led to more unforced errors. Carrick, naturally, took advantage of these and racked up another 5 points in this quarter to our 2. 10-6 to Carrick by the end of the 3rd quarter. With nothing to lose, we made some final changes to the team and took to the court for the final quarter. This was much better play by the girls, the two sides were more even, and play went very well. Both teams scored 3 goals in this quarter leaving the final score as 13-9 to Carrick. A lot of food for thought in how the team was constructed and many very commendable performances by girls in positions that were not their first choice.
It was great to see the girls support each other throughout the game and I genuinely feel that we were two very evenly matched sides.
We wish Carrick all the best as they progress to the semis to face Methody.
The Juniors will next face Hunterhouse on Wednesday 21st in the ¼ Final of the Shield. We wish them well as they face yet another team they’ve never played before.
