Match Report

Carnegie claw win away from Wildcats

The last minute and a half of the Co-operative Netball Superleague trip to Glasgow, saw Leeds Carnegie claw their way past the Wildcats to win by the narrowest of margins possible. One goal in the dying seconds of the match sealed victory for the visitors restoring them to third in the table.

No one should under estimate the seemingly reborn Glasgow side, now a confident side more than able to match their opposition; their place at the bottom of the table is no reflection of the talent the squad is now showing on court

Plenty of possession for the home team was ultimately not capitalised on. Trailing after the first fifteen minutes by just two goals, coach Denise Holland opted for one change bringing on captain Lesley MacDonald at GA. It had the effect of reinforcing the team and at half-time the score was locked at 18-18.

Now that the Wildcats believe they can get results in netball’s top flight they are beginning to turn in the performances. With the strength of June McNeill under the post they are able to hold their own against some of the bigger defences in the league.

The Scots felt they could have done better with the ball they had as they did not always convert their possession into points, but with 15 minutes to play they led the play-off chasing side by three goals. Anna Newell had changed bibs at half-time from C to WA and was perhaps able to help her team-mates get back into the match but they had a bit of a fright and it was only thanks to an interception from Carnegie’s on-form keeper Lauren Potter that allowed Leeds to get back on terms. The conversion of their centre pass just before the final whistle secured a result that had been in doubt til the very end of the match.

Wildcats head coach Denise Holland was justifiably proud of her girls. She said “It was a superb and fearless performance from the Wildcats today, who now have clear evidence that they can compete strongly and win matches in Superleague.”

As for the visiting coach Marion Lofthouse the feeling was more of relief at the match winning interception by Lauren Potter who made possible the result: “ it was an extremely hard-fought victory for Leeds Carnegie” she told us, “there was great team composure to bring the ball into the shooting circle to score.”

And with the win keeping Leeds in the shake-down for a play-off place she was also generous with her assessment of he opposition. “Glasgow Widlcats are a much improved side since our last encounter, credit to them for making it such an exciting game of netball for neutrals.

By Lisa O’Sullivan

Match Umpires

Debbie king and Sarah Watts with Gary Burgess