Lucy Giles writes for We Are Free Agents about their crunch match against Edinburgh University. Check out the article, pictures and video clips from the match below!
One of the biggest games of the season fell early in the calendar for Glasgow University Netball Club last week against Edinburgh University 3s. Glasgow’s varsity match meant even more than usual as an extremely narrow defeat last year prevented the first squad from getting promoted. Both our pride and reputation were at stake as we arrived on court; our captain Laura McKinlay and president Grainne MacGrath were baying for blood and some intense team talks psyched us up for the game. The objective was simple – win.
The starting squad readied themselves on court and the Edinburgh girls rolled on, pumped for the whistle. The first quarter was, understandably, intense. Burton at C and McKinlay at WA made an excellent attacking team; they created the space and had accuracy of passing that ensured the ball was placed perfectly into the circle. With Maria at GA and Harriet at GS, we had our prime shooting team in position to convert those feeds into points. Fifteen goals in fifteen minutes, to be precise. Edinburgh found no let up in our defense; Grainne at WD displayed her uncanny knack for being everywhere on the court at once, giving her WA little opportunity to help her side. Laura White at GD was her usual casually superb self and together with Lucy Giles at GK kept the Edinburgh score line to just 6, through a combination of determined man-on marking and an improving ‘zoning’ technique.
The same team remained on court for the second quarter as we drove to increase our lead. Edinburgh had resurgence half way through, getting in three goals in a row. Not letting our heads drop, the team pushed back and at half time the goal line stood at 27-14, reflecting Edinburgh’s come back attempts.
The third quarter was crucial. Last year the squad had a history of letting our play break down in this third and one year ago, vs this team that is exactly what happened; resulting in defeat. We knew defence would be particularly crucial in this quarter, as after the half time break the Edinburgh attack would come out fighting. The Glasgow girls played magnificently, displaying perhaps the best netball seen s far this season. Fifteen goals were scored. Fourteen of them belonged to Glasgow.
Only letting one Edinburgh goal in throughout the entire quarter was an immense achievement. All credit to the GK and GD’s brilliant efforts and the fantastic rate of turnovers and interceptions gained within the centre third. The whole team pulled together and was urged on by the support of Lara, Hannah and Lexa on the sidelines. Glasgow were elated by the end of the third quarter, determined to double Edinburgh’s score.
The final quarter was much tighter than the previous. Glasgow managed the hold a fiery Edinburgh to a tie – both teams scoring nine goals. All credit to Edinburgh for bringing the fight to us in the final 15 minutes. The team held strong and anticipation for the final whistle grew both on the sidelines and on court.
When the whistle went the score stood at 50-24 to Glasgow.
This score line is a testament to both teams, as well as an indicator of the level of play – 74 goals in 60 minutes shows that this was both a game of high quality and furious speed. Glasgow continued our unbeaten 2013 season in style.
Congratulations girls – we did it!
Lucy Giles
