The ORA Winter Netball league continued in its eleventh week, with teams across the four divisions showing strength and cohesion on court before a break in play next week. With few games remaining, front runners are emerging in each division, however the points remain close across the board.
In Division 1, it was a superb display of ‘topflight’ Netball from both Accies B and St Lawrence A. The opening quarter was very guarded by both sides, centre passes were converted to goals, making it a very evenly matched 15 mins. Then St Lawrence upped their gears and took control of the play, forging ahead by 16 goals. Superb shooting was demonstrated by Saints GA Sofia Hussey, who is showing remarkable strength and consistency this season. Accies were not to be deterred from their challenge and held their opponents to a 10 – 8 third phase. A shuffle round of players by St Lawrence, moving Nicole Goddard from Centre to GA and Steph Egan to WA, was instrumental in them forging ahead to a 60-27 victory. Sam Salzone was awarded Player of the Match for St Lawrence in recognition of her numerous interceptions and turnarounds, allowing her team to gain valuable goals. For Accies, their shooter Emily Bond impressed her opposition to gain Player of the Match with her movement in the D and precise shooting from the edge of the shooting area.
Also in Division 1, Accies A dominated their encounter with St Saviour A from the first whistle, taking a commanding lead at the end of the first quarter 18-3. St Saviour regrouped at the break and moved their tall keeper to goal shooter with good effect, and she netted some fine goals. The flow of the game was fast paced which suited Accies. Centre court players Tino Usai and Player of the Match, Gabby Scott, commanded the area and consistently supplied their shooters Jas Schnle and Sophie Le Bon with great feeds which they potted with confidence. St Saviours Player of the Match, WD,worked hard throughout and was a strong goal defence when she moved position, although she had her work was cut out to stop the flow of Accies goals. At the final whistle, it was Accies who took the win 62-23.
In Division 2, a young Convent C, who were on a high from drawing against division 2 league leaders the previous week, were determined to continue their ever-improving form. However, Accies C had other ideas! Accies stormed ahead to take the first quarter 14-4, with Julia Duszkiewicz moving well in the circle and to consistently shoot with pinpoint accuracy throughout the game to earn her team’s Player of the match.
At the first break, Convent regrouped and came out determinedly,taking the second quarter with aplomb. The third quarter was also close, but Accies kept their lead, with a first-time circle defending partnership of Jo Cabot and Caitlyn Hogan working well together to make Convent shooters work hard to get shots at goal. Convent’s Isla Cronin (GA) took her team’s Player of the Match for her shots at goal. Accies took the win at 43-31.
St Clement B enjoyed a convincing third division win against St Brelade C this week. The teams were drawing at quarter time but hard work and perseverance from the current league leaders secured the 41-24 victory. Experienced Goal Keepers Mary Pack and Sandra Thackeray gave challenge to the agile shooting circle of St Brelade’s Isla Singleton-Riley and Sammy Kean, whose versatility in the circle and midcourt earned her Player of the Match. At the St Clement shooting end, Lesley Godfray, more used to playing defence this season, stepped in as Goal Shooter and was effective in helping to secure the win. Player of the match for St Clement was Emma Le Quelenec, who played in both attack and defence.
Elsewhere in Division 3, Accies E produced a dominant team performance to secure a 63-7 victory over St Ouen C, with strong communication, rapid ball movement and relentless defence the hallmarks of the night.
From the opening centre pass the starting seven set the tone, finding space and linking through the mid-court to create high quality ball into circle. The first quarter saw Accies race into a 15-3 lead, with fluid attacking play from Captain Estelle Le Monnier (WA) and Kacey O’Connor (C), with early turnovers keeping St Ouen under pressure.
Defence was standout for Accies throughout the match. Flori Lofthouse made several well-timed interceptions and consistent defensive reads, earning her the Players’ Player of the Match.
Changes from Accies kept the momentum, as they posted a 19 goal third quarter from the on-point shooting duo. St Ouen C’s defensive duo of Katie Le Herissier and Lisette Grenyer worked tirelessly to challenge their opponents, with key interceptions stopping Accies from pulling even further ahead. Clara Malorey and Thea Toudicproduced another outstanding defensive quarter, collecting rebounds and interceptions and maintaining constant pressure on the opposition. St Ouen’s Mel Noon (GS) and Elisa Da Silva (GA) consistently fought back to find space and opportunities to net points.
Accies strong starting lineup returned for the final quarter. This brought Sirenna Woodford back to defence and Ava Huish back to Goal Shooter. This quarter was just as exciting with superb linking from mid-court to circle, quick accurate passing and committed defence work rounded off the performance. Excellent communication and connection centre and defence particularly involving Kacey O’Connor and Clara Malorey, earned both players recognition as both named Opposition Players of the Match. Final score 63-7 to Accies.
St Ouen competed with great spirit and never stopped working; their Goalkeeper Lizette Grenyor was outstanding in the shooting circle and was named St Ouens Player of the Match. Mid court, Kerry Roche, Sally Parker and Katherine Wilson communicated well to contest the centre pass and defend passes in the the Accies circle, however their opponents decisive play was fantastic.
Accies sit second in the league at this stage and will be looking to build on this complete team performance in their next fixtures. Great atmosphere on court throughout- credit to both teams for a competitive, sporting contest.
Division 3’s St Brelade B faced St Lawrence D this week in a highly anticipated rematch, following a very close encounter at the start of the season. Both teams started strongly, but it was St Brelade who quickly seized an early lead and maintainedmomentum throughout, gradually extending their advantage each quarter.
There was brilliant play from both sides, making for an exciting and friendly game. St Brelade’s defence kept the St Lawrence shooters on their toes, while the mid-court impressed with sharp intercepts and dynamic movement throughout. The shooting duo continued to show their strength, converting opportunities with precision.
St Brelade B ultimately secured a convincing 56–22 victory, demonstrating both skill and teamwork on the day. Player of the match went to Poppy Roche (C/WA) for her outstanding contributions.
