By Ethan Harris
USW exited the Western Conference Cup at the first hurdle as Bristol University 4ths inflicted a narrow 41–46 defeat.
A sweet performance by Bristol goal-shooter Cara Honey eventually took the game away from the hosts, despite then drawing close several times.
Going into the encounter, both sides were yet to pick up a victory from their respective league schedules.
However, any hope that the rigours of knockout netball would perk up USW turned out to be forlorn.
With an unchanged lineup in situ, they started the game well, and at one point led 9–7 thanks to baskets from Ali Chan and Elin Barwick.
However, the virtuoso Honey was the source of everything Bristol did right, and eleven of the fourteen opening quarter points for the visitors were dispatched by her.
Her adept partnership with centre Sasha Twyman saw Bristol pull away during the second 15–minute window, as they netted a further 24 points to put them in command.
However, the hosts did not go down easily; the introduction of impact player Kia Pugh gave an added impetus to their attacking play, and their capitalisation of Bristol’s numerous penalties meant there were five points in it at the half.
Bristol regained control for the majority of the third–quarter, with Tilly Roberts in goal attack a resourceful outlet for their points.
USW rallied late on, with Chan and wing attack Cerys Bush combining nicely to cut the lead once more down from nine points to four, bolstered by a raucous atmosphere.
But any lingering hopes were extinguished when Honey scored six unanswered points in a row throughout the final quarter to seal victory.
Attention now returns to the Western Tier 2B, as they face a trip to Cardiff Met 3rds next Wednesday.