The ORA Winter Netball league was back in action after the half term break, as teams reach the final stretch of the competition. With just 2 matches remaining for most teams, the fight for the top spots across all divisions is still ongoing.
Division 1 leaders, Convent A, took a carefully crafted win against a spirited Accies A team. Rosie Tonner (GS) and Player of the Match, Madison Fitzgerald-Wilkins (GA) were in fine shooting form and managed to receive ball against a strong Accies defence of Kat Le Riche and Molly Ryan, but overall the ball speed and accurate passing through the court was difficult for Accies to disrupt. Convent’s Toni Chaytor (C) and Mollie Luce (WA) used driving angles and insight to feed their shooters with Jodie Blampied tracking her WA and turning over ball.
Layla dos Santos (WD) was quick to enter the game and provided many turnover balls using her speed and reading of the game to allow Convent to move from defence to attack.
Convent’s defence, Florence Allo (GK) and Molly Carre (GD) worked tirelessly, closing down space and used clever switches to deny ball to the Accies shooters. Interceptions and rebounds gave Convent more opportunity to score.
Centre court players showed their versatility with Jodie Blampied moving from WD/C, Mollie Luce WA/WD, Layla dos Santos WD/WA, Toni Chaytor C/WA. All players quickly adapted to the change in position and continued to keep the pace of the game and worked off each other to keep the standard high. Errors were minimal which resulted in a Convent win 63-22.
A tightly contested match between Convent B and St Saviour B was played in good spirit. Both defensive circles provided different challenges. Convent’s Player of the Match, Amelia Coutanche (GK) and Millie Pratt (GD) mixed up the tactics working the circle both front and back and side to side creating many interceptions in the process whilst St Saviour used their height difference to mark the shot effectively and close down space for the Convent shooters.
Young Leah Cannard (GA) had a superb game linking with GS Yara Rodrigues whose timing for the front cut was timed to perfection.
Second quarter saw Convent’s Florence Kelly (C) using her speed up court to link with Alex Perry (WA) whose height and insight to feed was her shooters was on point. Scarlett Le Fustec (C) and Isla Rafferty (WA) came into the game with great energy and the flow continued in the same vein.
The third quarter saw Kiah Kuppe GD moving into the defending circle following an injury to Millie. Kiah slotted in well and her elevation and reading of the game provided turnover ball for Convent. Alex Perry went to GS and provided some height in the shooting circle which gave Convent the breakthrough and a slender lead of 2 going into the final quarter.
St Saviour were full of fight and forced Convent into passing errors. The game was end to end with St Saviour closing the gap and it ended with Convent taking the win by one goal right at the end at 34 – 33.
In Division 2, St Ouen A faced a speedy and determined Convent C this week. With injuries forcing a reshuffle, shout out goes to St Ouen’s Mary Surcouf for swapping her defensive bib for GA.
Both teams opened strongly, with St Ouen edging ahead by a single goal after the first quarter. The second quarter delivered impressive play from both sides, but the defensive trio of Lisa Neil, Katie Le Herissier and Dani Van Neste made life difficult for the Convent shooters. Well‑timed movement through the centre court from WA Jess Garner helped capitalise on turnovers, allowing St Ouen to maintain their narrow one‑point lead at halftime.
However, Convent C found momentum in the third quarter, capitalising on turnovers to pull ahead by two. Well‑timed feeds from Player of the Match Julie Gould and captain Paige Mason into the new shooting duo of Mary Surcouf and Katie De La Cour kept St Ouen within reach.
A ankle injury in the defensive circle forced another reshuffle in the final quarter, and Convent C used their speed and skill to break away, finishing eight goals ahead at 39 – 31. Bella Woodruff took Player of the Match for Convent.
St Lawrence lead from the start going into a 2 goal lead at the end of the first quarter to claim victory over Accies C. 59-45.The defensive trio of Rachel Baugh, Annie Martin and Becca Berry maintained the pressure and disrupted the Accies Shooters. Accies responded with a switch of players and with accurate shooting by their POM Mimi Carney were still unable to stem the flow and with accurate passing into the circle by Elise Huckerby to the St Lawrence POM Clem Turner-Powell who converted into goals to extend the lead.
Also in Division 2, Evie Le Breton was a dominant presence in centre court for St Lawrence B earning her Player of the Match, ably assisted by Gemma Larose and Megan Pratesi to end the first quarter by a 8 goal margin. St Saviour B were unable to disrupt the flow of the St Lawrence B centre court players Grace Butler and Shannon Carr into the shooting circle. St Lawrence ultimately took a resounding 61-36 win. Katie Alves took Player of the Match for St Saviour B.
In a battle for the top in Division 3, St Brelade B came out fighting tonight in their rematch against St Clement B and maintained that intensity throughout the game. St Brelade took an early lead in the first quarter thanks to excellent teamwork across the court.
The mid-court kept the pressure on with impressive interceptions, sharp movement, and well-considered passing. In the shooting circle, the attackers, including Player of the Match Brady Morris, were outstanding against a tough St Clement defence, keeping their composure and converting some fantastic goals.
At the defensive end, the team put in a superb effort, securing key interceptions and keeping the well-drilled St Clement shooters on their toes.
It was a brilliant all-round team performance that saw St Brelade B take the win, finishing 47–32 at the final whistle.
Also fighting for the top spot, Accies E faced off against St Ouen B in a fast, competitive clash that delivered intensity from the first whistle.
The game started at pace, with both sides going goal for goal. Shooting circles were sharp and defensive units worked tirelessly, creating a thrilling end-to-end first quarter. St Ouen edged ahead early due to some fantastic feeds into the circle from Michala Graham, who returned to to league after a period of injury, finishing the opening quarter with a narrow one-goal lead.
Accies responded with tactical positional changes, injecting fresh momentum into the game. The adjustments paid off as the team pushed the tempo, delivering confident shooting and determined defensive pressure to swing the lead in their favour. St Ouen continued to challenge across the court, with crucial interceptions from Emma Le Main and Lucy Fox providing St Ouen opportunities to keep Accies from running away with the score.
Winning the next three quarters, Accies steadily built their advantage. Consistent pressure forced key errors from a strong St Ouen side, allowing Accies to maintain control while keeping the match fast and flowing. Excellent shooting from both sides saw most quarters with similar score lines, however Accies’ disciplined play allowed them to maintain the lead.
In a very friendly yet fiercely contested encounter, Accies secured a well-earned 49–42 victory. Ava Huish took the Player of the Match accolade for Accies for a seamless transition from shooting to defence, and Sarah Attwood was awarded for her feeds and shooting efforts for St Ouen B.
St Ouen’s C enjoyed a positive game against an energetic and enthusiastic St Lawrence D on Tuesday. The St Ouen C team was down to only eight players due to illness and injury, but they rallied impressively, with several players taking to the court for the full match, often playing out of position.
Lyn Parris, in particular, turned her hand to shooting, defending and mid-court play, all with enthusiasm and good humour. Mel Noon, Katherine Wilson and Harriet St Pier all worked hard, putting in impressive performances in unfamiliar positions. The scoreline did not fully reflect the often smooth and accurate passages of play, with the team moving the ball confidently up the court to the shooters. St Lawrence took the win 47-15.
A special mention goes to Sally Parker, named Player of the Match, for her sheer determination, drive and some impressive interceptions. Caroline Rodrigues was awarded the accolade for St Lawrence D.
