ORA Winter League Week 15

The ORA Winter Netball League concluded this week with final games being played to confirm the standings in each division. St Clement B cemented their second-place position behind Accies E in Division 3, whereas St Clement C successful took a crucial win over St Saviour C in a battle for promotion in Division 4.

In Division 1, St Clement A faced a young Accies B side in a competitive encounter, with St Clement’s ultimately proving the stronger and more clinical team. Their ability to play smoothly through the court made a clear difference, as they consistently converted opportunities into goals. Defensively, St Clement’s were impressive. Ella Vieira (GK) stood out with numerous interceptions, while Cerys O’Connell (GD) applied excellent pressure and secured key tips. Brooke Jarrett also played a vital role, relentlessly hassling her opponent on the D and disrupting Accies’ attacking flow. Emily Reynolds and Nadia Lopes delivered accurate and effective passes to theirshooters. In the Accies circle, the defence remained tight and worked hard to contest every ball. St Clement’s shooters, Jade Dingle & Player of the Match, Megan Hamilton showed great composure, successfully converting shots from distance despite the pressure. Despite the challenge, Accies, who were fielding a team of subs due to injuries and unavailable players, showed great determination and resilience, battling hard and maintaining their effort right through to the final whistle.Overall, a strong and composed performance from St Clement gave them a 41-26 win, while Accies provided a spirited and determined effort throughout.

Division 2’s St Lawrence C ended their season in style with an impressive 75–40 victory over St Ouen A in a commanding performance from the first whistle. St Lawrence quickly established control of the game and maintained their lead throughout, showing strong cohesion across the court. The shooting partnership of Sophie Carter (GA) and Clem Turner-Powell (GS) proved particularly effective, with both players demonstrating excellent accuracy under the post to steadily extend the scoreline. The attacking momentum was supported by superb work through the midcourt. Ann-Marie Pereira (WA) and Elise Huckerby (C) delivered consistent and precise feeds into the shooting circle, allowing the shooters to capitalise on scoring opportunities. St Ouen, who were supported by B and C Team subs after fielding a depleted team, continued to push through with some glimpses of fantastic teamwork. Player of the Match, Lucy Fox, supported St Ouen with precise feeds into Jess Garner (GA) and Zoe Barrett-Banks (GS). Defensively, St Lawrence were equally dominant. The defensive unit of Player of the Match Annie Martin (WD/C), Rachel Baugh (GD) Rebecca Berry (WD) and Jackie Pannenborg (GK) applied constant pressure, forcing repeated errors and regularly regaining possession to turn defence into attack. Despite the efforts from St Ouen’s defence, St Lawrence gave a confident, all-round team performance from as a fitting way to close their season.

St Clement C enjoyed their final game with a convincing win of 66-17 against St Ouen C and have finished the season as runners up in Division 3. Beth Shepherd, back after a long period of injury, was dynamic as Centre and provided multiple impressive feeds into the shooters. Defensively, St Ouen’s Lisette Grenyer (GK/GD), Sally Parker (GK) andPlayer of the Match, Katherine Wilson (WD/GD), delivered some excellent work, successfully disrupting St Clement’s attacking play on several occasions. However, St Clement’s shooting proved consistently accurate and difficult to contain, with Chloe Ham-Howes earning Player of the Match for her high accuracy and clean play within with circle. Jane Wright (WA) completed an effective attack line up. In the centre court, St Ouen demonstrated strong, composed play, creating some excellent passing sequences into the shooting circle. Mel Noon (GS) and Elisa Da Silva (GA) capitalised on these opportunities, scoring some well-earned goals against a tough defensive side, including St Clement’s Lesley Godfray (GD) who created some impressive turnovers. Despite a large scoreline difference, credit is due to St Ouen who continued to push forward and conducted themselves in the manner they have become known for—playing with good humour, determination, and a strong sense of camaraderie throughout.

St Ouen B and St Lawrence D took to the court for the final game of the season, with the latter going all out to try and claim a win to remain in Division 3 next season. St Ouen, who have seen a much more successful second half of the season, used tried and tested channels between Player of the Match Lucy Fox (Centre), Jasmine Le Lievre (WA), Sarah Attwood (GA) and Zoe Barrett-Banks (GS) to quickly gain points on the scoreboard. However, St Lawrence were hot on the heels, with a fantastic defensive performance across the court, particularly from Player of the Match Caroline Rodrigues (GD/GK) preventing their opponents from settling into the game too easily. With both teams taking the lead at points in the game, this was truly all to play for for the young Saints side, as every ball was challenged and any error was capitalised. St Ouen remained strong in defence, with Lauren Byrne (GK) and Sarah Ramasawmy (GD) working in tandem to go up against St Lawrence’s talented shooting duo. Despite the momentous efforts from St Lawrence, St Ouen’s combination of experience and skill ultimately proved too strong as they held on to their lead and took a 37-34 win.