On Thursday ERGS played the first of their NI Netball League Matches. Both teams – Inter and Minor, faced Hunterhouse College from Belfast. We were the home team so the fixture was played locally in Lisnaskea at the Castlepark Centre.
The Inters were playing on the back of their match on Tuesday and had the same issues regarding missing players, unfortunately. On saying this however, this was a very tight match which the scoreline doesn’t reflect. Both teams were constantly vying for space on the court to receive a clean pass – with Hunterhouse just gaining the edge. At one point it was literally each team getting a score from their own centre pass, making it very exciting to watch. The support from the other players off court was excellent, giving much needed boosts when required.
After the 4 quarters, the score was 37-23 to Hunterhouse. This unfortunately means that the Inters are out of the League but they are still in the Bowl competition. More from them in January.
Inter Squad:
- Lucie-Anne Abbott 12E ( inj)
- Eve Balfour 12D
- Anna Cairns 12C
- Jessica Foy 12C
- Chloe Robinson 12D
- Jodie Thompson 12A
- Eloise McDonagh 12B
- Maria Bullock 12F
- Ellie Booth 12F
- Lauren McCordick 12D
- Maya Kremska 11F
The Minor team last played their shield match on 28th November and were still on a high from that win. Ensuring their focus was on this match was important from the start. They lined up and from the whistle we could see that it could be an even match. First blood went to the visiting team however, the reply wasn’t long in coming. Some good play, but also some silly errors led to it being 3-1 to Hunterhouse at the end of the first quarter. After a quick pep talk at the break, the girls went back on court determined to bring the game to Hunterhouse and show them what they could do. Through super defensive and midcourt play – the ball got to the circle where the goals were flying in. 5-5 at half time. With the team staying as it was, no substitutions, they were able to build on their forward momentum and gain the upper hand. By the end of the 3rd quarter, it was 10-5 to the young ERGS side. With a slight cushion on our side, we made some changes in the final quarter. The Hunterhouse girls did too, to very good effect. They crept back on us, and we could see that we could lose if we didn’t have another re-jig. So, more changes made, and we were goal for goal until the last 30 sec. Leah Topping, with great calmness, sank the winning goal. 12-11 to ERGS – and a big sigh of relief.
The Minor girls now progress to the quarter finals of the League. Congratulations.
Minor Squad:
- Kaitlyn Read 9A
- Andreja Budriute 9B
- Lauren Cawley 9B
- Abi McCordick 9B
- Beth Bradley 9C
- Clodagh Donaghy9C
- Alice Black 9D
- Leah Topping 9D
- Iona Tyson 9D
- Ella Wylie 9D
- Alex McDonagh 9E
