By Mackenzie Thomas
THE University of South Wales Netball 1sts cruised to a comprehensive 44-22 victory over Cardiff Medics at the Sport Park.
Cardiff started fast from kick-off, eager to impress against a well in-form USW side. USW started slightly tentatively though, going three goals down, before they turned the screw in defence and turned the first quarter around.
Star goal shooter, Cadie Baldwin, was in fine form in the first quarter as she netted four consecutive goals on the bounce to put USW into a 9-6 lead going into the second quarter.
In a second quarter full of free flowing and attacking play, USW were the team on the up. After fighting back from going three goals down, a stunning piece of attacking play saw Baldwin finish composedly in front of the goal.
The goals kept on coming for USW as they were determined to build on what was a poor start. Baldwin and 1st quarter substitute Megan Jones combining to claw her side into a slender lead at the end the of quarter.
Lightening attacks from USW followed with Jones impressing with some sharp attacking play.
Her presence certainly stabilised things for the USW since coming on and forced the Medics to live on the edge of things during the latter stages of the second quarter.
USW took control of the third quarter with the free-scoring Baldwin at it yet gain, adding to her tally after neatly dinking the ball over the head of the defender. Despite some end-to-end action at times between both teams, it was USW who took firm grip of the quarter winning 34-18.
However, despite their dominance, it was the Medics who ended the third quarter on top, their goal attack player finishing neatly above the advancing goalkeeper for the away side.
Early in the last quarter, an exquisite finish from Megan Jones maintained USW’s firm hold in the game, and with the confidence maintaining up amongst the team, it was only a matter of time before Jones bagged her sixth of the game.
An excellent combination in attack teed up Jones to finish from an acute angle, in which she beat two defenders in the process.
A huge defensive effort during the final seconds of the quarter, posed a breath-taking last quarter, as they mounted the pressure on the home side, in producing a stunning comeback.
Despite a valiant effort from the visitors, it was USW who chalked up yet another victory in the BUCS Netball League.