Tuesday 19-03-2013 - 15:04

27/02/13

Netball: Cumbria 1^st 19 – 39 Keele 1^st

Cumbria entertained the travelling Keele side who were sitting in 2^nd place in the league 9 points above Cumbria. Despite missing a few players due to placement and deadlines looming as we are now into the academic stage of the year commonly referred to as squeaky bum time Cumbria were still able to field a competitive side.

The game began at a frantic pace, with each team forcing the other into turnovers as possession quickly switched back and forth. The first few minutes of the quarter were a nervy affair with the two sides taking their time to get into their rhythm, and for the shooters to get their eye in and find their range.

Keele broke the deadlock which was shortly followed by a flurry of baskets to take an early 5-2 lead. Cumbria fought back increasing their hustle play on the defensive end forcing Keele into risky passes leading to turnovers. Cumbria took full advantage, capitalising on Keele's mistakes finishing the quarter down 4-8 after some fine shooting from Goal Shooter Kara Gore.

Cheered on by a raucous home crowd Cumbria started the 2nd quarter playing with new found energy and began to take the game to Keele with some excellent passing and incisive movement around the court. Despite a positive start, Cumbria were unable to break down a spirited Keele outfit led by their GK, an absolute rock at the heart of the defence limiting Cumbria's shooters into taking extremely difficult shots. Cumbria and Keele tied the second quarter 5-5 giving Keele a 13-9 lead at half time.

As the game wore on Keele continued to assert their authority on the game forcing Cumbria to rush passes and were able to connect on a high percentage of their shots to extend the lead further. Cumbria battled to the very end but unfortunately it wasn’t to be with Keele proving too strong for the depleted Cumbria team.

Check out a photo of the ladies 1st netball team on our Facebook page here - www.facebook.com/cumbriasu

 

Team UCSU - Made up of U