An unbreakable lead gives Durham 1st Women’s Netball victory

(3 March 2012)

Leeds University was unable to catch up to Durham’s winning pace.

The second the whistle blew Durham jumped into action in what was to be a relentlessly fast paced game. Putting pressure on Leeds the Palatinates managed to score the first two points. But the opposition was not easily defeated and they responded with goals of their own matching Durham’s progress. Quick to pass but patient in shooting, the two teams appeared well matched despite Durham’s lead of 7 goals to 4 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was the defining section of the game. Although Leeds initially appeared to be closing in on the Palatinate’s lead, some good marking by Durham gave them much needed possession. Steadily and with precision they racked up a massive eleven goals, a goal difference that proved too much for Leeds to recapture. The second quarter finished 18-8 to Durham.
Durham was quick to get back into the game after half time, scoring the first two points. Leeds however was still looking for the win, mirroring Durham’s athleticism and taking some powerfully accurate shots of their own.  Both teams scored a respectable five points, putting the score at 23 to 13 to Durham as the match approached the ultimate fourth quarter.
Impressively neither team surrendered to defeat or fatigue keeping the same pace that they started with. Having played almost an entire season together the Palatinates clearly had a good perception of the movements of their team mates and they were able to find spaces around the opposing markers. With goals coming in quick succession points were being scored right up to the final whistle, but again Durham’s lead was unbreakable and they finished the game 30 points to 21.

First quarter: 7-4 to Durham
Second quarter: 18-8 to Durham
Third quarter: 23-13 to Durham
Fourth quarter: 30-21