USW netball 1st 53-41 Cardiff University 4th

USW and Cardiff do battle. Pic: Michael Addison

By Max Drinkwater-James

USW Netball 1sts extended their invincible start to the season with a 53-41 win over Cardiff University 4ths.

USW’s shooting outfit demonstrated lethal accuracy at the Sport Park, with Elin Barwick posting 27 goals for the home side whilst Ali Chan was able to net 26 to continue the league leaders’ unbeaten start.

Barwick endured a slow start to the game, missing several shots within the first quarter.

The USW goal shoot only bagged herself three goals within the opening quarter.

Chan was able to chalk up 10 first quarter goals to reply to a clinical first quarter from Cardiff’s Emily Kent.

The visitors’ goal shoot reduced the score at the end of the first quarter to 13-12 following a 12-goal opening quarter from Kent.

A tactical change at the end of the first quarter saw Chan and Barwick swap positions, with Chan moving to goal shoot and Barwick to goal attack.

This reaped rewards in the second quarter as the hosts stretched their advantage further.

Chan showed her class with her shooting ability, calmly converting eight chances and taking her total for the game to 18.

Barwick used her new role to her advantage, using her speed around the court to find space and slot home five goals.

USW started to take a hold on the game mainly thanks to their defensive trio of Cadie Baldwin, Molly Care and Lauren Macey.

The USW defence made key turnovers and linked up well with their attacking team mates to ensure a fast flowing game.

Cardiff did eat into USW’s lead through Kent who scored a further six goals, as well as goal attack Megan Harwood.

USW flexed their muscle in the third quarter and took complete control of the game.

Chan grabbed a further four goals while Barwick came to life and showed pinpoint accuracy with her shooting and netting 10 goals to take the USW tally to 40.

Barwick topped off her emphatic display with a further nine goals in the final quarter, with Chan chalking a further four for the league leaders.

Kent fired back scoring eight of her own alongside Harwood who forced three in the dying moments of the game.

But USW remain unbeaten so far this season and this result reflects their ruthless start to the season.