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Photos: David Hoffman
Derwent produced a sterling performance against James in college netball to secure a draw in an enthralling encounter in a somewhat chilly tent. A tense contest saw James, who had narrowly been defeated by Alcuin last week, be held to a 7-7 draw against Derwent, in a very close match.
James opened the scoring, but as was to be the pattern of the game, Derwent quickly pulled level. Neither team were able to open up a substantial advantage, as both sides matched one another in all facets.
An interesting battle developed in the centre of the pitch, as both sides tried to dominate possession. Derwent moved the ball around sweetly, displaying some good movement, but James were looking dangerous on the break and opened up a narrow 4-3 lead. Yet on the stroke of half time, Amy Goodfellow levelled the scoring at 4-4.
The second half saw Derwent start quickly, as the impressive Rosie McCluskey netted to hand her college a slender advantage. Yet their lead did not last long, as goal shooter Beth Hampton brought James back on level terms.
These two quickfire goals were soon followed by another McCluskey strike which once more put Derwent in the ascendancy, but again James soon closed the deficit in the shape of Hampton. It truly was a very close and competetive game, with both teams looking dangerous on the attack. Yet both defences were holding strong, with Derwent’s goal defence Meg Opie making a series of valuable interceptions.
Once more goal attack McCluskey gave Derwent the lead, but in the final minute Sam Hall levelled the scoring to earn James a share of the points, with a clinical finish from under the net. The final score of 7-7 reflected the balanced nature of the contest, with neither team deserving to lose.
After the game Derwent captain McCluskey commented: “It was a very close and tough game against a strong James team. I’m really proud of my girls they’ve come on from the beginning of the season, and I’m really happy with that result.”
Her opposite number, James centre Shannon Dixon said: “We struggled in the first half, but we played better after that. We had to settle for a draw, but we’ve always got next time.”
Vision Player of the Match: Meg Opie