Finals Report
Harrogate and District Netball League
Knockout Cup and Plate Finals
Sunday 26th April 2009 - Harrogate Ladies College
The finals of the HDNL Knockout Cup and Plate competitions were held on Sunday 26th April 2009. Local engineering firm, S& B Utilities, sponsored the event this year and the matches were enjoyed by a respectable number of spectators.
The Final of the Plate competition between Phoenix Knights and Angels was played first. Knights started the match in determined mood making a quick intercept to open up the scoring on Angels’ first centre pass. Despite this shock for Angels, both teams then settled into the game with the scoring going with centre pass. That early turnover enabled Knights to finish the first quarter leading 5-4.
The scoring in the second quarter went again, with centre pass; both teams making errors when moving the ball through the court. As a result, the play did not flow. Play was disrupted further with penalties for infringements being awarded. Score at the close of the second quarter saw Knights maintain their lead 9-7.
Team changes for the third quarter opened up the game. Knights in particular found their focus. A display of more controlled and even play by both teams coupled with some accurate shooting especially by Knights saw the gap in the scoreline widen and the quarter end with Knights leading 15-10.
With renewed confidence, Knights then pressurised passes and stepped up the pace. Angels made a brave attempt to close the gap in the score in the final quarter but, overall, the outcome of the game was already sealed. Final score; a win for Knights 25-14.
Players of the match were A Howes from Angels and Zoe Russell from Knights. The match was umpired by Kate Harper and Tracy Holdsworth with scorers Emma Hayter and Karen Blackwood.
The Final of the Cup competition was set to showcase the best in the Harrogate League as the Under-17 Phoenix team, Flames, took on a very experienced and skilful Rebels. Spectators were not disappointed.
Rebels attacked from the first whistle with very fast, strong and accurate passing which saw them storm ahead by 3 goals within the first few minutes. Rebels were quick to pounce on any loose balls and the accuracy of their shooters enabled them to convert at every opportunity. Flames seemed to be left literally “standing”. The first quarter ended with Rebels leading 8-4.
In the second quarter Rebels capitalised on their early lead, being quick and strong on to any weak passes by Flames and any loose balls. Strong positioning in their defending circle forced further passing errors from Flames who had difficulty securing the feed into their shooters. Score at the end of the quarter was 19-7.
Regrouping in the third quarter saw the beginning of a recovery by Flames. Determined defending and some excellent rebounding by Flames created attacking opportunities only to be disrupted too often by the speed of a Rebels intercept. Score at the end of the third quarter was 12-28.
The last quarter saw a much more respectable display from Flames. With yet another attacking formation on court, the girls settled into a more confident rhythm with more accurate and creative movement and passing. This quarter was their best and the one that they won 8-7 but their surge was too late. Despite a brave fight back and some dogged defending, the speed, strength and pace coupled with impressive shooting from the Rebels team had outplayed the youngsters. Final score was a deserved win for Rebels 35-20.
Players of the match were Karen Kelly from Rebels and Abi Guymer from Flames. The match was umpired by Nick Ward and Janet Ivel with scorers Di Henderson and Felicity O’Leary.
Following the Cup Final, the presentation of trophies took place. Chair of the HDNL, Kate Harper thanked the sponsors, umpires and scorers and the players for a fine display of Netball.
Managing Director of S&B Utilities Mr. Keith Swales and Financial Director Mrs Karen Blackwood then made the presentations to the finalists.
The HDNL would like to both acknowledge and thank our sponsors for their support with the competition.
Christine Stephen
HDNL Secretary
