Netball: Team Northumbria come out on top against Celtic Dragons

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Both sides in second round action of the Co-operative Netball Superleague in Cardiff were looking to get that vital first win of the season and despite a massive push in the last quarter of the game it was the visitors, Team Northumbria who bagged the two points - with a 38-43 victory.

Watching Celtic Dragons over the past year or so its been clear that the side is one step away from getting on a winning run and yet at the final whistle the result has more times than not gone against them.

In their second Superleague match of this season the Dragons were slow to get going and slipping five goals behind in the first quarter made the difference between winning and losing.

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Team Northumbria made sure their chances were turned into goals - shooter Alex Wood had a superb match, missing just two shots all match. The statistics show clearly that Northumbria were more accurate in converting their opportunities, despite having had 11 fewer attempts on goal.

A second quarter shuffle in the centre court helped the Dragons warm up a bit, they were strengthened by Kyra Neal moving to WA and Nichola James enjoyed a good battle with Marie Ewing at centre. Eleven goals apiece in the second fifteen-minutes hinted at a potential upset.

Dragons were particularly happy to see Steffi Williams play a true captain’s role and in the second half; at goal defence she was freed up to tackle the loose ball and was certainly better placed to make some key interceptions and tips helping the home side win the third quarter 12-11

And so to the final fifteen minutes and by cutting out the aerial ball the Dragons closed to within two goals of Team Northumbria. It was passionate stuff, the crowd was inspired and roaring on the home-side who seem to have found their fire at last. But again unforced errors led to turnovers and uncoverted centres allowed Team Northumbria to snuff out the threat. Their shooters stayed cool and netted their shots.

Northumbria captain Carla Dziwoki said after the match, “ It was a tough game, well contested. The Dragons came back in the last quarter and there was lovely shooting from both teams. I was proud of the Northumbria girls for the win.”

Cardiff Dragon’s current coach Sara Hale was delighted the team’s pre-season training had paid off. “The Dragon’s fitness was their strength at no point did the team’s energy drop.” She singled out Steffi Williams and Nichola James.

And the coach had also been impressed with the way her players had faced a big problem. “Northumbria are made up of very tall players which should have been problematic for a number of the Dragons but our defence responded with a number of great interceptions and good work in the air.”

Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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