BANGOR Netball Club’s three senior teams embarked on their first fixtures of the new season at the weekend.
The Firsts were up against Portadown on Sunday, eager to start on a positive note with some new combinations on court and the return of previous players, we were all eager to start on a positive note.
Bangor raced into a 10-1 lead as the mid-court partnership of Yazmin Bleakley (WD) and Lucie Young (C) shut down Portadown’s final third entry with many tips and intercepts, allowing Bangor to turn over the ball. The first quarter ended with the score at 21-6.
The second quarter was of similar intensity, with everyone playing their role on court and the attacking connections grew. Rachael Gowdy (GA) and Aimee Trainor (WA) connected superbly throughout the match, with some lovely feeds by Aimee finished off by Rachael.
After half-time, the team continued to play their own game and build their connections. Michaela Dunlop (GD) and Rebecca Mayne (GK) worked tirelessly in the final third, both gaining crucial intercepts and tips to shut down Portadown shooters.
In the final quarter, with Bangor leading 52-25, the team continued to connect well and communicate with each other across court. Lucie and Aimee continued to feed the circle well with Alison McClune (GS) being as reliable as ever under the post. A full team performance led Bangor to a 67-31 win.
Player of the match was awarded to Rachael Gowdy.
Bangor’s seconds began their campaign with a clash against Laganside 1 at Ards Blair Mayne.
With two new players on court this season, Bangor started strongly in both defence and attack to take a 12-11 lead into quarter two.
The second quarter saw Laganside fighting back and Bangor working harder to keep their cool. Chloe McAvera (C), Ellie Green (WD) and Chloe Creighton (WA) worked hard in mid-court to keep the ball in Bangor’s end and link to Roslyn Neill (GA) and Anna in the circle. Despite some great connections across the court, Laganside managed to pull ahead with the score 20-24.
Bangor came into the third quarter determined to close the gap and managed a five-goal streak. The score in the third quarter stayed close throughout with Bangor reducing the gap to just one, but Laganside’s defence upped their game and the quarter finished 34-37 to the visitors.
Laganside kept up the momentum in the last quarter and capitalised on tiredness as they pulled ahead to win 42-54.
Player of the match went to goalkeeper Louise McMullan.
Elsewhere, Bangor thirds were in action against Newcastle. The newly-formed thirds soon found their rhythm as they matched their opponents goal for goal.
Great work in mid-court with feeds to the circle saw Bangor end the half just a goal behind.
Goalkeeper Payton Walker ensured the scoreline remained tight throughout, but it was Newcastle who prevailed with a final score of 28-29.