Super Cup Round 4
Supercup 4th Round
Australian Allstars v Barbados Blades
Match Umpires – Ann Marie Peacock & Arlene Leary
Both teams had players missing for the starting line up. Allstars had 5 points in the league going into the match from their win against the Warriors last year but Blades had yet to get their first win, despite having chances in their last match.
Barbados Blades were unable to hold onto their small lead during the first quarter when Allstars got off to a messy start, and went into the 2nd quarter a goal down. The match was close all the way with the Blades leading for most of the 3rd quarter. Allstars Keeper Patricia Howell (Coatbridge) held the Blades captain Gillian Wharton (GS) well, taking interceptions and rebounds throughout the match, but this did little to phase Gillian as she notched up the goals, greatly assisted by Jennifer Mitchell (East Kilbride) who showed steady determination throughout the match. At the start of the final quarter Blades were one goal up. While keeper Kerry Callahan (Newman) and GD Louise Simpson (Claremont) delayed the shooting of Nicola Blaney (Bell) and Karen Gould (Newman) to an extent with some excellent defending, there were few errors from the shooting duo and in the final quarter. Allstars edged ahead to take the match 45 – 41. Once again Blades were just narrowly defeated.
Outstanding players for Blades –Kerry Callahan and Gillian Wharton
Outstanding players for Allstars – Karen Gould and Patricia Howell
Scottish U21 v New Zealand Warriors
Match Umpires – Carolene Logan & Marie Doyle
It was to be an uphill task for the Warriors given U21’s impressive start to the tournament. U21’s (despite their ages) seem to appear to own the court and their presence and youthful energy can be intimidating to opponents. Warriors are without Maxine Burchill (Coatbridge) for the rest of the tournament and had swiftly signed Lee Dallas (Claremont) to bolster the centre court.
In the previous rounds Sharks and Allstars made an impact in their games against Scottish U21’s, Allstars got half the score, but it was a big ask to topple the current tournament leaders. Scottish U21 had played a faster and much more physical game than the other teams in their previous rounds.
At the start of the first quarter Warriors played confidently and with an air of optimism. They held the national team and led for the first 7 minutes of the match with some great shooting from Kirsty Waddle (East Kilbride) and Evonne Moore (Newman). A win for the Warriors seemed possible as Moira Kingsman (Newman)and Sara Scofield (East Kilbride) worked tirelessly in the defence forcing errors and creating interceptions. The Warriors were only 5 goals down going into the second half. This was without a doubt the best team performance against the tournament favourites.
For the second half the Warriors dug deep but could not conquer the giants. The skill and speed of the Scottish U21 team was winning through, and with a great all round team performance Scottish U21 advanced their lead. An injury to keeper Sara Scofield saw the switch of the WD Jill Fullarton (East Kilbride) to GK. While Jill’s excellent performance in the match as WD was influential, Scottish U21 switched their shooter to June McNeil (Internationale) who towered above the Warriors keeper, leaving the Warriors with a real height disadvantage in the circle.
The match ended 57 – 33 to Scottish U21
With Scottish U21 having sailed through their first three matches and only Fiji Flames and Barbados Blades have yet to play them. The wise money is on Scotland.
Outstanding player for U21 – June McNeil
Outstanding player for Warriors – Kirsty Waddle
