Mixed fortunes for netball team (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Mixed fortunes for netball team

4:00pm Sunday 10th February 2013 in Sport

BASINGSTOKE Netball Club’s first team produced a dominant performance to beat Andover Arrows 45-20 in their opening game of 2013.

The AXA Wealth Premier Division game was played on a cold, wet and windy night at Russell Howard Park, making short, accurate passing the order of the day.

Basingstoke took the lead in the first quarter thanks to some excellent goals from shooter Sue Willcock, with goal attack Karen Randell, wing attack Kayleigh Hurton and centre Ann Jones providing the ammunition with good passes into the circle.

They led 18-4 at the end of the first quarter and, while Andover tried to hit back in the second, excellent interceptions by defenders Tracey Lowther, Jo Laffoley and Liz McGill ensured that Basingstoke led 27-10 at half-time.

The hosts continued to dominate after the break and led 39-17 at the end of the third quarter – and, while Andover improved their defence in the final quarter, a change of tactics and excellent defending saw Basingstoke win 45-20.

The following week saw Basingstoke travel to Theale Volume, who began the game just below them in the Reading and District League.

The first quarter was a cagey affair, ending 8-8, but Theale took the lead in the second, earning a 21-19 advantage at half-time.

The third quarter was also evenly matched but again the hosts edged it to lead 32-29 going into the final session – but Basingstoke refused to give in.

Excellent defensive work by Lowther, McGill and newcomer Leanne Longhirst gave them a platform to attack from and the visitors fought back to claim the lead.

In a thrilling end to the match, the hosts dug deep to regain the lead and managed to sneak a 40-39 win, the game ending with Basingstoke looking likely to level.