On Friday 22nd March, our Year 9 Netball Team set off to Dungannon to play their first ever Northern Ireland quarter final Netball match. We were drawn against Killicommaine Junior High – an unknown entity to us.
The girls quickly warmed-up and psyched themselves up for the match. In the first quarter, we could see that it was going to be a very tight match. First blood went to the ERGS team. Within a few minutes however, the scores were equal. A final goal from ERGS saw us leading at the end of that quarter 2-1.
Quick team talk, then straight back in. The girls were pushing hard for every ball – Anna Wilson working superbly in the centre ensuring the ball reached our shooters in the circle. Killicommaine led by one goal at half time – 5-4.
With only a goal between them, the two teams fought well against each other. Olivia Beavis and Madison Beatty worked very well together in our defensive circle, blocking shots and feeding the ball out into the court. Aimee Ross, Eadie McCallum and Anna Wilson were strong and together ensured that our shooters Amanda Farrell and Isla Rowland had as many opportunities to shoot as possible. By the end of the third quarter it was 9-7 to Killicommaine. Still anyone’s game.
In the final quarter, injury caused our defence to be weakened. Tiredness also featured, as the game had been played extremely quickly. Despite this, ERGS continued to take the game to the other team. Sadly, however it wasn’t to be our year. The final score was 16-9 to Killicommaine.
I have nothing but admiration for these girls and all those who come to training – whether they are selected or not for the team. Their dedication and enjoyment of the sport is second to none. They have performed very well and have made me and the school very proud of them; as they should be of themselves.
