Week 4 Game of the Week: Netball 1s thrash Brookes in cup clash

Warwick 48 – 12 Oxford Brookes
Location – Main Hall, Warwick Sports Centre

Favourites Warwick cruise to victory

This week’s ‘Game of the Week’ saw the University of Warwick Women’s Netball 1s take on Oxford Brookes 3s in the Midlands Conference Cup. With four leagues or 25 places between the two teams, Warwick were clear favourites.  With the 2s having played prior to this match, there was plenty of support for Warwick 1s from fellow netballers; Sports Officer Ted Crowson was also present for much of the game to cheer on the team.

Warwick’s performance throughout the four quarters was consistent. Goal Shooter Helen Jones scored immediately from the starting whistle and the home side used this to provide themselves with momentum for the first quarter. Attacks from Brookes were defended well and it wasn’t until Warwick were 9-0 up that Brookes got their first look into the game. After the first quarter Warwick were 12-3 up and in control of the match. A fine performance from Jessica Oshodi at Wing Attack enabled Warwick to link up the attackers well.

Going into the second quarter Warwick fielded the same team, keeping tactics pretty much the same. The goal percentage from both shooting players was such that if the ball reached their hands you could safely bet on another goal. But Brookes started the second quarter brightly as they looked to get back into the match – they knew they needed a good quarter to ensure any chance of prevailing over such a tough opponent. Despite the visitors’ quick start to the quarter they were unable to hold off Warwick’s attack and Warwick led 22-5 at the halfway stage.

“Warwick continued to dominate, with possession and passing rate improving as the game went on.”

At this point Warwick made one change; bringing on Goal Attack, Megan Tranter. Warwick continued to dominate, with possession and passing rate improving as the game went on. Determined to produce a good performance and gain a place in the starting line-up for the league, the players fought hard for every ball, guarding their player well and blocking every attempt to attack from their opponents.

In the third quarter captain and Centre Emma Johnson came off for a well-deserved break after a solid performance in the most demanding role in netball. The coach moved the players around as Sophie moved back into Goal Attack, Megan to Wing Attack and Jess taking the role of centre. Warwick continued to push towards the finish line and though it was clear that it was game over, you wouldn’t have known until the final whistle was blown. Warwick were through, beating Oxford Brookes 48-12.

After the match, Helen Jones, Goal Shooter reflected on the team’s performance:

“I thought it was a great game. We knew we had control but wanted to keep pushing to extend the lead. Our defence were all on form, with some brilliant interceptions from Michaela [Goal Defence] which made it really difficult for Oxford to even have an attempt on goal.”

Reflecting on her own performance Helen commented:

“I was happy with my shooting and just tried to hold the space to receive overheads into the circle, taking advantage of the height difference between me and Oxford’s GK. I’m new to the team so we are still learning how to play with each other but I’m enjoying playing with the other girls and I feel we are getting stronger every week.”

The next round of the Midlands Conference Cup is away to Worcester 3s on Wednesday 9 November at 6pm.