The first Saturday of 2023 did not disappoint – Netball is back! As both our 1st and 2nd squads took to court, the rain began to fall heavier, and the wind got stronger. These matches were going to be…interesting!

Our 1sts kicked things off with a match against KCNC 1. Both teams got off to a slow start as we adjusted to the conditions on court. The ball went goal for goal for most of the quarter, with a few throwaway balls from us as the wet balls slipped and slid out of our hands into the opposition who scored, creating a small gap of 10-7 to club. In the second quarter, we struggled to tackle Club’s attacking circle and didn’t change our play to keep the ball safe when in our possession. Although we tried to push the shooters to the outer edge of the circle, their height and quick, accurate passing seemed too much. Meaning that club continued to widen their lead through the final quarter.  During the final quarter, we bit back and really focussed on taking our own centre pass to goal, having higher energy to shut down passes or force errors for club. Our hard work brought us back within 5 having been down by 9 at the end of the third quarter. The game concluded with a score of 35-30 to club. Throughout the game we had some lovely transitions through court to goal. Unfortunately, we made too many mistakes and left with a disappointing loss. We know we can perform better than this, so we’ll come back stronger next time. POTM went to Phillipa for her great work in defence. She got some great turnovers which helped us come back from a wider defeat. Well done Phillipa!

Next up was 2nds who met Langley 1. Again, both teams got off to a slow start as they faced the heavy rain and wind (there were puddles on court at this point!). Navigating the conditions seemed tricky for both teams as the ball went back and forth down court as each team tried to get it into the shooting circle. The first quarter concluded on a score of 3-3. In the second quarter, we came out with a more grounded attitude, we knew the conditions, knew Langley’s play and knew we couldn’t go home with a double loss. Pulling out all the tricks in attack and defence, we stormed ahead with a 12-3 lead at the halfway mark (only allowing Langley 1 goal!). Great communication in defence meant turnovers were coming left, right and centre and as we quickly recycled the ball downcourt, we utilised each ball that came to us to widen our lead in the third quarter, ending on 17-6 to us. We dropped our energy slightly as the ball went virtually goal for goal, allowing Langley to make a come and get within half. However, we’re really proud of how hard we worked to maintain a strong lead in the first match back after Christmas! The game concluded with a final score of 22-14 to us. Another great win for our 2nd squad. POTM went to Renata who, like Phillipa, really worked hard to control defence, communicating well within the unit to get those all-important turnovers. Congratulations Renata!