University of Sheffield 42-34 Durham seconds
Sheffield’s netball firsts continued their fine league form as they earned a victory in a tougher encounter than the score suggests against a battling Durham second team.
The University of Sheffield were indebted to Becky Hallow and Lee Witkowski, as they stretched their unbeaten run in all six league games, and maintained their lead at the top of the table.
Sheffield started strongly, racing into a 3-1 lead as Durham squandered possession and the quarter continued in the same vain as goal shooter Witkowski added five points to Becky Hallow’s three. As they went into the first break, they led 8-3 and looked to be cruising as well as justifying their league position.
The contest was closer in the second quarter and even though Sheffield initially stretched their lead, Durham pegged them back with five consecutive scores. The best move of the match came just before Durham’s mini-revival from Sheffield.
A great cross court pass from wing attack Tori Airey found Hallow, who sank her throw. Sheffield finished the quarter strongly as the attacking players received efficient service from the team, thus extending the lead by six points going into the half time break, at 20-14.
Sheffield dominated the next quarter as the Durham goal defence went off injured after falling awkwardly on her ankle. A passage of play, where Sheffield gained five points in a row, was a pivotal moment in the game as Sheffield gained control over the contest. With a nine point lead at 33-24 going into the last quarter, the game appeared to have been settled.
However, five straight points from Durham mid-way through the final quarter increased the nerves to some extent in the players. Steph Bryant, who had a commendable display as goal keeper, was cautioned for a few obstructions which let Durham in with a chance of an unlikely comeback. However, Hallow and Witkowski added some crucial points in the last few minutes to settle any nerves, particularly helped by a crucial interception from wing defence, Janicke Pilkington.
The game ended 42-34, which Sheffield thoroughly deserved in the end and they will definitely be favourites to clinch promotion at the end of the season.Their first game of 2012 saw them pick up where they left off in the league in December.
Sheffield next play Sheffield Hallam in two weeks’ time at the EIS.
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