By Blake Bint
USW Netball 3rds made it two wins in as many games as Keira Aitkin scored 22 points in a tight affair with Royal Agricultural University at the Sport Park.
A tight first quarter started slowly as neither team managed to take a solid lead without the other fighting back. That was until some smart tactical plays, using the extra height of the Royal Agricultural University(RAU) to dig deep and come back from a 5-4 deficit to take an 8-5 lead. However, USW fought hard and six first quarter points through the goal attack Keira Aitkin meant they went into the first break with a 9-8 lead.
Going into the second quarter both sides defended strongly, showing a lot of determination to win the ball back during fast moving plays. USW captain and goal keeper, Katie Dowle, in particular had a tough task throughout the game being at a height disadvantage to RAU’s attackers Lucy Savage and Lou Arnold. For RAU, goal defence Bunty Blanchard was asked multiple questions as Aitkin maintained consistent with her goal scoring. Although USW went one up on RAU once again, making the scoreline 17-15 it was clear that RAU were growing into the game.
After a half time break and a chance to reflect on the first half tactically as well as refresh, RAU made the decision to change key defender Blanchard into a goal shooter. This move made a huge impact on the remainder of the game with RAU dominating the quarter. Savage, managed to net seven points in the third quarter from goal attack, helped along by the height of Blanchard winning the majority of the rebounds at one end and Harriet Cooper keeping out many rebound attempts at the other end. USW stayed in touch with some consistent scoring from Aitkin and Madi Nye once again despite the brute force of the RAU attack equalising to 25 apiece.
In the final quarter, it was clear players were tiring on both sides, yet the tense closeness of the match alongside the motivation from other students cheering every point scored kept the players motivated.
In a match that never stretched upon a 3 point margin, the final quarter was no different with the ball flying from end to end, all four attackers maintained composed when needed. It was only until the dying minutes of the match when link up play between USW’s wing attack Hattie Smith who had a great game combining with Keira Aitkin who top scored in the match made the difference as USW ran away 35-32 winners.