Judi Clark-Wilson Cup

Simcocks Red 28 - 20 Suntera Global Ballasalla Blizzards

The final match of the day saw Simcocks Reds take on Suntera Global Ballasalla Blizzards, who had won the Senior League only a couple of weeks prior. The game was an outstanding showcase of netball. Gemma Kirkham (GS) created some good space in the Ballasalla circle with strong holds, which allowed Dani Murphy (GA) and Kate Williams (WA) to send some fantastic feeds to her. Chloe Swales (GA) worked non-stop to bring the ball through court for Simcocks and took an intercept in midcourt to turn a Balla centre. Zoe Kirkham’s (GK) body position allowed her to make a tip that led to Balla turning Simcocks’ next centre and the scores were level once again. Simocks’ through court defence forced Balla to make a few
errors, leading to a run of four goals for the Reds. The quarter finished 8-5 to Simcocks. The next quarter saw Simcocks Red come onto court with purpose. Aalish Harris (GS) settled into the game well and was a force in the attacking circle with incredible accuracy and movement, allowing Simcocks to score from any turnovers. Reds pushed hard to turnover Balla’s first three centre passes, giving them an impressive run of six goals. Both teams started to move the ball with speed through the court but it was Simcocks who continued to draw out their lead, with the quarter ending 19-9.

The start of the second half saw a defensive display from both teams, allowing the other to score only five goals in the quarter. Tips and intercepts to turnover the ball came all over the court from Ellan Charmer (GK) and Rachel Johnstone (C ) for Simcocks, and Dani Murphy
(GA) and Jane Ryder (WD) for Ballasalla. The quarter ended 24-14. In the final quarter Ballasalla came out with a point to prove, increasing the pressure and sending more successful balls into the attacking circle. Mairi Harrison (C ) put in an impressive display with calm through court play, and connected the defence and attack well for Ballasalla. They continued to work hard and were rewarded by scoring from Simcocks
centres, however it wasn’t enough and the Reds won 28-20.

POTM: Mairi Harrison (Suntera Global Ballasall Blizzards)