Bann Firsts put on brave display against top Grads side

Bann Firsts met Graduates on Tuesday November 25 at Banbridge Leisure Centre for the second time this season.
Emma Cartmill in action for Banbridge Netball Club against Graduates at Banbridge Leisure Centre © Paul Byrne Photography INBL1448-221PBEmma Cartmill in action for Banbridge Netball Club against Graduates at Banbridge Leisure Centre © Paul Byrne Photography INBL1448-221PB
Emma Cartmill in action for Banbridge Netball Club against Graduates at Banbridge Leisure Centre © Paul Byrne Photography INBL1448-221PB

Bann, missing three first team regulars, knew this game was going to be tough and after being beaten in the first game wanted to come out fighting from the first whistle.

The first quarter was to be a real test of stamina for the girls and their high level of fitness really showed as the girls managed to keep up in this fast paced game.

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Bann’s defence of Cathy Buchanan (GK) and Amanda Johnston (GD) worked tirelessly around the circle continuously trying to prevent the graduates shooters receiving the ball. Cathy and Amanda stuck tightly to Graduates shooters picking up some interceptions to give Bann an advantage over a resilient Graduate side.

in action for Banbridge Netball Club against Graduates at Banbridge Leisure Centre © Paul Byrne Photography INBL1448-223PBin action for Banbridge Netball Club against Graduates at Banbridge Leisure Centre © Paul Byrne Photography INBL1448-223PB
in action for Banbridge Netball Club against Graduates at Banbridge Leisure Centre © Paul Byrne Photography INBL1448-223PB

Joanne Kerr (WD) and Emma Boyd (C) tracked Graduates attacking players to put pressure on the ball going into the shooting circle which gave Bann circle defence an opportunity to steal the ball. However accurate shooting from graduates had them take the lead in the first half.

Bann went into the second half of this game despite an ever increasing goal difference between themselves and Grads.

They continued to put pressure on grads passing from the attacking end of the court through to the defensive end.

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Helen Monaghan (WA) and Emma Boyd (C) worked extremely hard to get the ball to shooters Paula McBride (GS) and Emma Cartmill (GA) and with some astonishing long distance shots by the Banbridge shooters the girls showed true sportsmanship by holding their heads high and playing to the best of their ability against a side consisting of mainly Northern Ireland players.

The final score ended with Graduates winning 61-32 which was a better result than their previous encounter and a loss by no means reflects the girls hard work and determination throughout the match.

Player of the match: Paula McBride (GS).