The ORA Winter Netball League returned this week for the second half of the 2025/2026 season. Despite a problematic week of matches, with some being cancelled, teams who were able to take to the court showed an impressive display in the first games of 2026.
In Division 1, an exciting match between St Lawrence A and Convent B was truly a game of two halves. Both sides were depleted in their squad members, but it was the young Convent side who settled the quickest into their fast-flowing netball. Although St Lawrence took an early lead, their opponents were feisty and determined not to lose grip of the match in hand. The second quarter was a wakeup call for the Saints, as Convent scored double the number of goals. The turnaround of the game was the inclusion of St Lawrence’s Clem Turner Powell into Goal Shooter position, marking her debut for the 1st division. Her shooting was accurate and consistent, allowing her team to forge ahead and dominate the second half of the match. It was 100% effort by a young Convent side, who never gave up the challenge, however St Lawrence took the win at 49-19.
Division 2 leaders, St Brelade A, went up against St Lawrence B in a competitive match ending in only a 4-point margin between the two teams. St Lawrence took a slight lead after the first 15 minutes, with Tara Parker (Goal Attack) netting consistently from any areas of the attacking circle, despite the enormous defensive pressure from St Brelade’s Player of the Match, Lucy Anthony. St Brelade came back with vengeance, their Goal Attack Rosie McManus showing what huge potential she has going forward. It was 25 – 21 to St Brelade going into the second half of this very entertaining display of netball. These two teams were very evenly matched, with very few unforced errors meaning that it was going goal for goal. A slight tactical change, moving Captain and Player of the Match, Shannon Carr, into WA gave St Lawrence a window of dominance, but St Brelade succeeded in holding onto their lead, taking a well-deserved win 43- 39.
Also in Division 2, a shake start for St Ouen A this season seemed a distant memory in their match against Accies C. Their previous encounter was a runaway win for Accies; however the parish side made a bright start, being ahead for most of the first half. A great connection between Julie Gould (WA) and dominating GS and Player of the Match, Katie de la Cour, gave St Ouen the edge over their opponents. Several impressive interceptions and deflections from Lisa Neil (GK) and Mary Surcouf-Johnson (GD/WD) kept St Ouen firmly in the running throughout the first 3 quarters. However, Accies remained focussed with defenders Romi Cole and Caitlyn Hogan working as a solid unit, eventually wearing down the opposition’s shooters and creeping ahead by one goal at the end of the third quarter. Going into the final stages of the game, Accies had everything to play for. Their centre court unit remained composed with WA Janine Evans and Centre Megan Gerrard feeding their shooters well to gain 12 goals to st Ouen’s 8, giving them a 52-46 with Accies GA Mimi Carney taking the Player of the Match honours.
Division 2 also saw a clash between St Lawrence C and Convent C, with St Lawrence C making a commanding start, leading the young Convent team at the end of the first quarter by 18-8. It was the excellent shooting of St Lawrence’s shooters, Georgie Dodd and Player of the Match, Clem Turner-Powell, coupled with the defensive pressure of Jackie Pannenborg and Rachel Baugh at the opposite end, St Lawrence came out worthy winners 52-44. Isla Cronin was awarded Player of the Match for Convent for her consistent efforts under the post.
The final Division 2 match of the week was an unpredictable affair between Accies D and St Saviour B, with the lead swopping throughout the game. St Saviour’s GS, Kudzai Muchekeza, was pinpoint accurate throughout the game with her shooting, taking her side’s Player of the Match, but Accies circle defensive pairing of Evie McDonald and Eadie Roberts worked hard to deny her the ball where possible. Accies new signing, GS Anneli Zietsman, improved by every quarter as she settled into the game and worked well with Accies GA and Player of the Match Kacey O’Connor, who worked tirelessly around the circle creating space to pot some lovely goals. Going into the last quarter, Accies seemed to have a comfortable edge, but St Saviour had a standout last quarter to level the match at 49 all.
Division 3’s only match was a St Brelade derby, in a well-matched and competitive game between their B and C sides. St Brelade B made a strong start, taking an early lead in the opening quarter and setting the pace of the match. However, signs of fatigue began to show in the third quarter. This opened the door for St Brelade C, who capitalised well and steadily chipped away at the deficit. Both teams were missing their captains, and each fielded eight players, yet the standard of play remained high throughout. Shooting was a standout feature at both ends of the court. For the Cs, Player of the Match Lolly Waters (GA) and Isla Singleton-Riley (GS) were particularly effective in the third quarter, combining well in the shooting circle as their team mounted a strong comeback. The momentum shift was supported by excellent defensive pressure from C Team’s Player of the Match, Charlotte Butler, and Suzhanie Van Staden, who impressed in her court debut. Their well-timed intercepts disrupted Bs’ attacking flow and put sustained pressure on the B team’s shooting duo.
Despite the Cs’ resurgence, Bs showed composure in the final quarter. Player of the Match for St Brelade B went to Poppy Roche (C/WA), whose crucial mid-court intercepts in Q4 helped maintain control and keep Bs in front until the final whistle.
