Date: 24 October, 2018
Venue: USW Sport Park
by Joseph Mansfield & Halen McCarthy
AFTER defeat in their first two league games of the season, USW 1st netball hoped the change to a cup competition would bring about a change in fortune.
Aberystwyth took the lead with a goal in the very first play of the game, but it was USW who gained advantage early on. Some slick passing and interplay from centre and captain Aggie Farlow-Hoare and goal shooter Megan Jones, saw goal attack Abi Meredith create an early three-point cushion for the home side.
Undisciplined defending from goalkeeper Rhiannon Maggs saw her give up a number of infringements inside the D, allowing numerous scoring opportunities for the visitors. The first quarter ended with Aberystwyth scoring with a three-goal flourish to stay in contention at 10-9.
Early in the second quarter USW showed signs of running away with the game as they extended their lead to 13-10, with some swift build-up play and clinical finishing.
Despite USW looking the stronger side, Aberystwyth were able to turn the tide with a five-goal run, taking the lead for the first time since the opening minute.
USW pulled back to end the half with the scores locked at 17 apiece.
The second half saw USW come out of the blocks flying.
They started the third quarter with five back to back goals without reply, building a five goal lead within the first three minutes.
Two quick goals from Aberystwyth saw the visitors peg back USW’s lead, but their defence was unable to keep USW at bay.
The home side found their rhythm halfway through the third quarter, finding the net six times without response, helped by some great defensive work from Holly Griffiths.
At the end of the quarter Aberystwyth attempted a comeback with the score at 32-26 going into the fourth quarter.
The visitors picked up where they left off, maintaining the pressure as they tried to find a way back into the game.
Aberystwyth remained on top for the majority of the fourth quarter, with USW doing their best to hold the lead with goals from Emma Morgan.
With five minutes remaining, the score stood at 37-35 to USW. The home side tried to close out the game by answering each reply from Aberystwyth with a mix of excellent offensive and defensive work.
USW saw off some late pressure from Aberystwyth, holding on for a 41-38 win.
Following the game USW Coach Gail Calford said: “One of the things we’ve been working on after the first two games was being able to drive forward and take the forward option in games first rather than going square, which is something we have been doing in the first two games in the league. ”
USW face Bristol University 4th in their next game.
