THE second half of the Jersey Netball Winter League was back in action in its fifth week, with 28 teams taking to the courts at Les Ormes over the two evenings.
Division 1 continued after a break last week due to many players representing Team Jets for their home double-header, with two inter-club matches for St Lawrence and Accies among the fixtures.
Where inter-club matches sometimes cause difficulties, it was especially tricky for Accies’ top two A and B teams this week, as only two A team players were available.
This resulted in a lot of movement of players, but, for those playing up a division, it was an exciting opportunity to demonstrate their potential.
Accies B’s Megan Jerrard (WA) did just that, and was rewarded for her efforts across the court with the Player-of-the-Match award.
Emily Dove (GS) had a great game, and with the support of Mimi Carney in the circle, they kept their B side well in the game.
Accies A’s young star, Lara Spary (GA), was once again in scintillating form, working with Hannah Gladwell to pile up the pressure and the scoreline. The A’s defence unit of Daisy Dunn and POTM Summer Watkins, having never played together, did a stellar job working together to gain tips, interceptions and rebounds.
The match was well contested throughout, but it was the A Team who took a decisive win 76-37.
Also returning after a week’s break, Accies C entered their match against Convent B knowing they had a tough game on their hands, with Convent B fielding mostly past and present Team Jets players, whereas Accies were fielding only six players – one of whom (Caitlyn Hogan) was playing two divisions up from Accies E.
Accies made a formidable start, ending the first quarter with the lead.
Convent changed shooters and brought on Jets 2 player Aimee Bourke (POTM), who made an immediate impact in the shooting circle and paved the way for their convincing 78-26 win.
Accies C fought valiantly and, despite the loss, players such as evergreen centre and POTM Amie Le Beuvant showed that her team’s exposure to Division 1 has really helped advance their speed and agility.
Meanwhile in Division 2, St Lawrence C faced a very talented and young Convent C team, who only had six players.
St Lawrence did not take advantage of their extra player in the first quarter, however, with the scores level going into the second quarter.
Convent’s centre Zoe Higgins (POTM) played tirelessly to cover the court, with St Lawrence moving Lila Rudd to WA and Elise Huckerby returning to Centre to compete with their opponents’ agility.
St Lawrence maintained the lead with accurate shooting by POTM Georgie Dodd to take the win 44-37.
Division 3 rounded off the week with both St Ouen clubs keen to continue their success, with the club’s B Team enjoying their most successful season in recent years.
Facing St Lawrence E for the first time this season, after their last outing together was postponed, both teams showed strength from the very first whistle, with St Ouen B quickly learning that their opponents were determined to challenge every pass to create turnovers.
St Lawrence moved confidently across the court, with POTM Sydney Dicker creating opportunities for her team to gain points, the first quarter ending on equal standings.
St Ouen’s mid-courters, Steph Alves (WA), Julie Gould (Centre) and Dani Van Neste (WD) worked tirelessly to maintain possession and match their opponents’ speed.
St Lawrence continued to push through, with excellent shooting keeping them firmly on the scoreboard, despite St Ouen beginning to pull away.
At the opposite end, the outstanding defensive efforts of St Lawrence E’s Merri De Gruchy (GK) saw St Ouen change their tactics, with St Ouen’s POTM Zoe Barrett-Banks (GS) and Sarah Atwood (GA) moving around to find channels to get the ball to goal.
At the end of a competitive and well-contested match, St Ouen triumphed 46-23.
Following their respective clubmates’ success, St Ouen C and St Saviour C were both keen to take the win in their match on Tuesday evening.
Despite strength from both teams from the first centre, St Ouen finished the first quarter with a marginal lead, with POTM Emily Collie (GA) and Emily Hopkins (GS) linking well together to capitalise on turnovers, although St Saviour consistently challenged each ball into the circle.
St Saviour increased their defensive efforts to force errors, whereas St Ouen debuted a different defensive duo this week, with Emma Le Main (GK) and Lowri Makin (GD) effectively challenging their opponents and making it difficult for St Saviour to break through.
Across the court, Lyn Parris (WA), Kellie Roberts (WA) and Ashley Delgado (C) moved the ball with purpose, despite the excellent challenges from St Saviour’s Macy Higginson.
In the end, St Ouen ended on top, with a 36-22 win.
In the U18 Division, St Clement produced an excellent performance to overcome St Lawrence 43-23, and Convent looked in promising form against Accies Lightning, claiming a 42-29 victory.
