Another impressive Co-operative Netball Superleague match was played with Northumbria beating Celtic Dragons 35-61.
Team Northumbria were still on a high from their recently well-played matched against the league leaders Bath, so they begun the match with gusto and confidence. Good defending in the shooting circle by Abi Ryan ensured a first half lead of 13 goals.
Celtic Dragons’ relentless effort, despite missing six injured team members, resulted in 12 goals and added pressure on their opponents. Northumbria certainly did feel the pressure and the last 15 minutes were wobbly, Abi Ryan moved to GD and Emma Lower and Jenny Montgomery were both tested. But with too many key players absent Celtic couldn’t snatch a victory.
Celtic Dragons coach Ian Root was still positive and commented, “It was a good performance from Team Northumbria. They’re a very tight outfit, they know where everyone’s going to be and their imports also made a big difference. It was a resounding victory from a classy team particularly in attack. For us it wasn’t all doom and gloom, injuries meant we only had 9 of our 15 squad members fit.”
Katie Frogley, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
