After a narrow defeat at the weekend in the regional league, Northumbria were ready to give it their all in the North east derby. Newcastle began well with fluid play in centre court as Hattie Grant and Hannah Dearden worked hard to move the ball up into the attack. But Northumbria fought back and forced Newcastle to make errors which cost them valuable goals. By half time the poly were leading 7-25 but Newcastle’s fighting spirit spurred them on in the third quarter and allowed them to keep pushing against the poly.
With defenders Emily Hollingworth and Annie Bolle-Jones applying pressure to Northumbria’s towering attack Newcastle were able to keep Northumbria’s lead down. Going into the last quarter, Northumbria held a firm lead but Newcastle still didn’t let their heads drop, they maintained a clean and high quality performance not sinking to the bad sportsmanship of the poly. It is fair to say that the score didn’t reflect Newcastle’s excellent performance.
Another tough match for the 2nd team this week as they faced one of their hardest competitors. But Newcastle held together as a team with the defence making a strong start in the game as Caroline Glenn and Jess Pickering made lots of tips and applied pressure to their attack. Despite this excellent play Liverpool managed to take the lead going into the second quarter but Newcastle fought hard to keep close at their heels. With the shooters Olivia Gordon and Steph Garfield working incredibly well together in the D they gave Liverpool’s defence a hard game. But by half time Liverpool had taken a strong lead thanks to their enormous goal attack that didn’t missed a single shot.
However, Newcastle continued to work well as a team with Captain Laura Brady getting steals all down the court and communicating well. Although it was not a victory, the 2nds played a great game and are still positive about the season ahead.
A great week for the 3rd team as they take yet another victory. They hit the ground running with accurate shooting from Katie Isbister who also fought hard to gain rebounds and pick up loose balls. Newcastle managed to secure their lead in the second quarter as the defence adapted well to Leeds tough shooters and Olivia Dale managed to gain crucial turnovers. By half time the score was still close but Newcastle were dominating on court.
Player of the match Chloe Marshall, kept the team going with her strong drives in centre court that created a fluid and controlled movement within the team. The thirds kept their spirits high going into the final quarter as they continued to motivate each other and make that final push to secure the victory. Another successful game for the 3rd team leaving them undefeated so far this season.
"Player of the match Chloe Marshall, kept the team going with her strong drives in centre court that created a fluid and controlled movement within the team."
After a trying start due to late umpires, the team managed to utilise their adrenaline and keep the score close. Forceful drives from Poppy Doorbar meant that the ball moved swiftly down the court and easily into attack. Newcastle were only two goals down going into the second quarter and they managed to hold this goal difference thanks to great play from the defence Ella Peartree and Sally Williams who made numerous interceptions and secured rebounds. In the second half there was great play from Jess Tracey who was well deservedly voted player of the match, but despite her accurate shooting, Sheffield managed to pull away making the final score 33-47.
Although Newcastle didn’t manage to maintain the close score, it was a very promising performance that shows they should achieve a lot this season.
