Jays

The Leys School in Cambridge hosted two nail-biting matches on Saturday. Jam-packed with supporters from Oxford and Cambridge, the atmosphere at the court was buzzing. 

The Jays, keen to defend their title from last year, started off the proceedings against the Oxford Roos. From the start the teams were evenly matched and a close game appeared to be on the cards.

The ability of the Jays to work the ball confidently around the shooting third allowed them to end the first quarter with a 2-goal lead. Tall defence players Jess Creak and Emily Lester ensured rebounds were theirs and solid movement down the court by centre players allowed these turnovers to be capitalised on.

The tables were turned at half time with Oxford leading 20-18. A surge of energy together with tight marking resulted in a run of Cambridge goals. However, a slight drop in momentum left all to be fought for at end of the third quarter with a tied score of 27-27.

The support of the home crowd pumped up the team and they kept their nerve to hold on to an early break in the last quarter. With every loose ball being claimed and amazing shooting from Laura Gibson and Captain Sarah Gill, the Jays managed to hold off the Oxford Roos to take the game with a score of 36-34. The speed and precision of play by WA/C Hannah Pennicott earned her Player of the Match. Jays’ Captain Sarah Gill was proud of the hard work shown by the whole team, and was especially thrilled with their ability to withstand the pressure and maintain discipline in such a close, high-tension game.

Blues

The Blues were next to play on the court with much expectation to repeat the previous victory of the Jays. A slightly shaky start was replaced by the fluid and accurate play expected from this talented team. Captain Vicky Colgate dominated the centre court, always providing back up pass options as well as tipping many Oxford balls. Charlotte Penney provided consistent offers to the shooters on the side of the circle while defenders Livvy Robinson and Antonia Akoto worked together to force difficult shots on goal for the Oxford shooters.

Going into the second quarter down by one goal, the Cambridge team had to change their attacking tactics. Shooters Elizabeth Wheater and Jess McGeorge adapted to exceptional Oxford defensive players, and their near faultless shooting saw Cambridge take the lead and finish the 2nd quarter 18-14.

 Oxford came back from half time with a determined momentum that saw them equalize the score. It was all square at 27-27 at the end of the third quarter, but a late surge due to stellar shooting by Jess McGeorge and incredible goal keeping by Antonia Akoto in the last quarter enabled the Blues to pull ahead and win the match 40-34, securing two victories for Cambridge.

Player of the match for the Blues was WD Sophia Anderson who according to Captain, Vicky Colgate, “had the game of her life”. Her constant pressure on the ball and flying interceptions secured a larger deficit for the Blues.

The delighted Colgate was proud of the true CULNC fighting spirit, which saw every girl giving everything until the last whistle to create two stunning victories. She said of the wins, “today’s success is a testament of both teams amazing seasons. It was a true team performance and I was so proud to be their Captain."

To see more pictures of the Netball women's heroics, click here