Netball round-up: Downing march on as Medics suffer

Downing I thump the Medics as Jesus I and Emma I are victorious

downing girton jesus Ladies Netball Trinity

Every week The Tab brings you match reports and the results from Ladies’ First Division Netball.

This week saw Downing I crush title-challengers Medics, Emma I continue their purple patch and two more heavy losses for Downing II. Elsewhere in the League, rain caused fixtures involving Jesus I and Girton I to be postponed.

Downing I 26 – 9 Medics

Downing stamped their authority over the First Division with a convincing win against rivals the Medics. Downing’s victory was the product of brilliant work from Goal Shooter Katie Marshall and a commanding performance from Philippa Geering at Centre, both of whom won special praise from Downing I captain Rebecca Brake.

The Medics had been confident going into the game; their captain Sophie Jeffreys last week told the Tab that her team were “ready to pump some much-needed adrenaline into the flailing opposition” and that they “were available for resuscitation if the other lot get really scared”. Sadly for Jeffreys and her side, it looks like the wounds from this mauling will take some time to heal.

Downing II 6 – 16 Downing I

The much-hyped grudge match between Downing’s two teams ended in a predictably heavy defeat for Downing II. However, in conceding 16 goals, Downing II acquitted themselves remarkably well against their table-topping fellow Downingites – only Jesus have conceded fewer against Downing I this season. This defeat, the 6th of Downing II’s season so far, makes the team’s battle to avoid relegation even more difficult.

Jesus I 19 – 2 Downing II

On a windy Saturday afternoon, Downing II found themselves literally blown away as Jesus racked up the points against a weak opposition side. Sharp shooting from talented Jesus fresher Katie Elliott saw the score race to 14-1 at half-time;  with victory assured, Jesus began to play what one spectator described as ‘champagne netball’. An impressive team performance was underpinned by excellent individual efforts from Vicky Ho and Charlotte Wood on the wing and Rachel Harrison as Centre.

The game did, however, end on a somewhat controversial note, with a vicious outburst aimed at the Tab’s Sports Team by Jesus player Charlotte Penney. Frustrated at having to play out of position, an irate Penney lashed out at the Tab’s photographer, telling him to “F*ck off or I’ll shove that camera up your *rse”. Fortunately for the Tab, Penney was restrained by an apologetic Jesus team.

Trinity I 12 – 16 Emma I

Emma I’s winning-streak stretched to three games as they overcame Trinity I in a tight encounter to maintain their third-place position in the League standings. The team were aided by solid defense from lofty defensive pairing Ira Kleine and Laura Gibb and all-round dynamism from agile Centre Amy Till.

The result left Emma’s captain Anna Danreuther in a jubilant mood, bidding her rivals to  “say goodbye to Downing Domination, it’s all about Emma Escalation“. Trinity, meanwhile, have slipped to a third successive loss, ruling out any hopes of finishing Michaelmas in the top half of the League standings.

Jesus I P – P Medics

Torrential downpours saw this fixture postponed for the second week running; after Downing I’s comprehensive victory over the Medics, it looks like this could be the game that decides who takes second spot in the Ladies’ First Division.

Girton I P – P Catz I

Yet more wet weather forced the postponement of this fixture between Girton I and Catz I. Catz must be the underdogs in this game, although their surprise victory over Trinity I last week will definitely provide Girton I with some food for thought.

Team Played Won Drawn Lost GD Points
Downing I 7 7 0 0 106 35
Medics 6 5 0 1 22 25
Emma I 7 4 0 3 5 21
Jesus I 6 3 1 2 38 20
Trinity I 6 2 0 4 2 13
Girton I 5 1 1 3 -19 9
Catz I 6 1 1 4 -62 8
Downing II 7 0 1 6 -92 3

The week’s results leave Downing I in a strong position at the head of the table, as well giving additional importance to Jesus I’s twice-delayed encounter with the Medics in the race for second spot. Meanwhile at the foot of the table, Downing II’s failure to register any points makes relegation that bit more likely.