THE ORA Winter Netball League returned this week for the second half of the 2025/2026 season. Despite a difficult 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 the year.
Division 1
St Saviour A 21-78 Convent A
Convent B 19-49 St Lawrence A
St Lawrence A claimed a 49–19 victory over Convent B in an entertaining contest that proved to be a game of two halves. Despite early pressure from a youthful and determined Convent side, who outscored the Saints in the second quarter, St Lawrence regained control after the interval. The introduction of débutante Clem Turner Powell at goal shooter proved pivotal, with her accurate shooting helping the Saints dominate the second half. Convent battled throughout with commendable effort, but St Lawrence’s experience told in the closing stages.
Division 2
St Brelade A 43-39 St Lawrence B
Division Two leaders St Brelade A were pushed all the way by St Lawrence B before edging out a hard-fought 43–39 victory. St Lawrence held a narrow early advantage, with Tara Parker impressing in attack despite tight marking from St Brelade’s Lucy Anthony. The leaders responded strongly, led by an influential display from Rosie McManus, to take a 25–21 lead into the break. The second half remained finely balanced, with a tactical shift seeing St Lawrence enjoy a brief spell of control, but St Brelade showed composure in the closing stages to secure a deserved four-goal win.
St Ouen A 46-52 Accies C
Also in Division Two, Accies C overcame a strong challenge from St Ouen A to secure a 52–46 victory. St Ouen, keen to make amends for a heavy defeat in the reverse fixture, made a bright start and led for much of the first half, with Katie de la Cour outstanding at goal shooter. Strong defensive work from Lisa Neil and Mary Surcouf-Johnson kept the parish side competitive through the opening three quarters. Accies edged ahead late in the third period before pulling clear in the final quarter, as their centre-court unit controlled possession and fed the shooters effectively. Mimi Carney was named player of the match for Accies after a decisive display in attack.
St Lawrence C 52-44 Convent C
St Lawrence C produced a strong performance to defeat Convent C 52–44. The Saints made a commanding start, racing into an 18–8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Accurate shooting from Georgie Dodd and player of the match Clem Turner-Powell, combined with solid defensive pressure from Jackie Pannenborg and Rachel Baugh, proved decisive. Convent battled well, with Isla Cronin earning player of the match honours for her consistent work under the post, but St Lawrence maintained control to claim the win.
Accies D 49-49 St Saviour B
Accies D and St Saviour B played out an enthralling clash that ended all square at 49–49. The lead swung throughout, with St Saviour’s Kudzai Muchekeza impressing with pinpoint shooting to earn her side’s Player of the Match, despite tight defensive work from Accies’ Evie McDonald and Eadie Roberts. Accies’ new GS, Anneli Zietsman, grew into the game, combining well with GA and Player of the Match Kacey O’Connor to keep their side in front. St Saviour produced a stunning final-quarter fightback to snatch a share of the spoils in a truly nail-biting finish.
Division 3
St Brelade B 38-35 St Brelade C
Division Three saw an entertaining St Brelade derby between their B and C sides, with the B team eventually holding on for the win. St Brelade B made a strong start, setting the pace in the opening quarter, but signs of post-Christmas fatigue in the third quarter allowed St Brelade C to mount a spirited comeback. Lolly Waters and Isla Singleton-Riley combined effectively in the shooting circle, supported by Charlotte Butler and débutante Suzhanie Van Staden’s defensive pressure. However, composure from B team’s Player of the Match Poppy Roche in the final quarter ensured the Bs stayed in front to claim a hard-fought victory.
