USW netball players’ battling spirit praised following heavy defeat to Bournemouth

By Zacharie Johnson-Pillon

Beaten but not bowed was the assessment from the USW netball 4th camp after a 64-11 defeat to a strong and slick Bournemouth outfit at the Sport Park.

Charlotte Willoughby, a member of the side, said there is a deep reserve of pride in their ranks that serves them well when the going gets tough – as it did against for long spells against Bournemouth.

“Bournemouth were quite strong, but we are working and we have improved since our first game,” said Willoughby.

“Our defence is getting stronger and working better, and our shooting is improving.

“We’re keeping spirits high. We’re proud of the fact that we stay present throughout the match and we don’t drop our heads.”

The team has worked significantly on fitness since the start of term, and the belief is that they are now seeing some reward.

Willoughby added: “We got quite heavily beaten in the first game, and even though the opposing team’s score today was high, we managed to get 11 goals, which is the highest it’s been for us this season.

“So coming out of the game with this outcome is positive.”