Movin’ On Up! UCLU Netball 1st and 4th progress into Round 3 of the LUSL Cup

UCLU 1st 69 – 14 Royal Vets 2nd

The game started slowly and some silly errors allowed RVC to score 5 goals in the first quarter. Pressure was on to step up their game as the fourths watched the match, wondering how any of them got into the 1st team.

With an inspirational team talk from captain Hannah Button after the first quarter, the firsts picked up their play at the start of the second. The massive improvement was proved by UC’s 16 goal lead by the end of the first half.

UC centre bringing the ball into the attacking third.

Despite their lead, the firsts still felt that they weren’t playing their full potential. Pressure from the enthusiastic fans increased as Men’s Basketball joined the throng on the sidelines – the firsts knew they had to impress. And they did.

The 1s stormed the third quarter, winning by 20 goals with some great turnovers from the defence. They continued their form into the last quarter, winning the match by 55 goals.

This win reminded the firsts what it feels like to win a game after a few (all) losses in BUCS.

No-one but Hannah remembers what it feels like to be player of the match, as she is given the title yet again. Congrats to her on being consistently the best player.

The 1s looking pleased with the result post-game.

UCLU 2nd 33 – 58 RUMS 1st

After taking an easy win over Kings Medics 2nd in the first round of the LUSL Cup, the seconds now faced a strong UCL Medics 1st team.

With only 7 players, the team knew they had a tough match ahead but still arrived on a freezing Monday evening with the same tireless enthusiasm they have displayed throughout the season.

The Medics came out quick off the mark at the start of the first quarter, leaving the seconds feeling lost and lagging slightly behind. Some impeccable shooting from the opposition allowed them to take a strong lead, and the quarter ended 14-7 to the Medics.

Entering the second quarter, the seconds knew they had to do something about it and came out a lot faster, upping their game significantly. Some great turnovers from Tilly Barker and Izzie Greer slowed the Medics attack down. The seconds looked like they were definitely showing more of their usual form down the court.

By the third quarter, they were still falling behind but realised that this quarter was make or break time. A change round in defence and some new ideas for the centre court were implemented.

However, some unforced errors leading to the ball being turned over and more brilliant shooting from RUMS left UCLU seconds behind by an almost impossible margin. The 3rd quarter ended 43-25 to the Medics.

With a difficult task lying ahead, the fourth quarter began. The seconds still kept up their fighting spirit with some great work and shooting by the attack, working for every ball. Unfortunately, the challenge was a little too big and the game finished with a strong Medics team winning 58-33.

Still, a great performance from the 2s with Tilly Barker winning player of the match.

The 2s anticipating a tough game against UCL Medics.

UCLU 4th 30 – 22 Queen Mary 3rd

Only after a shaky start losing the first quarter did the 4s start to get their act together. The passage of the ball into the shooting circle improved as the game went on, giving them a 23-16 lead going into the final quarter. The 4s fought hard to maintain this lead and clinched a victory.

Birthday Girl Chloe Angris was Player of the Match for her excellent shooting and movement.

UCLU 5^th 33 – 34 RUMS 4^th

The 5s lost in a nail-biting game by 1 point. Linh Le was player of the match.