Match Report: BIG BUCS SATURDAY

Saturday 12th November was a biggie for EUNC with six out of seven teams playing in BUCS matches in the league, conference plate and conference cup. Cumulative goal difference from the six teams of 263 we did ourselves proud.

EUNC 7

First up was EUNC 7 who took on Heriot-Watt 3s for the second weekend in a row, this time in the last 16 of the Scottish conference plate. EUNC 7 maintained their 100% record with a final score of 63-13. The quarter finals of plate in the second half of the season.

EUNC 1

Next up was EUNC 1 who faced St Andrews 1s for the first time this season. St Andrews had gone unbeaten in their previous three matches so it was a well fought match right until the final whistle.

EUNC 1s went into the match feeling positive and building on a good week of training the Edinburgh side finished the first quarter up 18-7. EUNC 1s built on this solid lead in the first half and were able to make some changes in the second half to make sure all of the team took to the court. The Edinburgh side used the remaining half to their advantage and stayed committed to working hard for the full 60 minutes. This will be beneficial in the upcoming tough matches. It was a full team effort which saw an excellent team defence through the court. EUNC 1s too the win, 68-32, and maintain their 100% record in the League.

EUNC 6

In the third match of the day EUNC 6s took on Aberdeen 3s at St. Leonard’s in their Conference plate. Having faces the same team last weekend, the 6s were keen to widen their victory margin! Following several sharp interceptions, defender Gaya Cole was a well-deserved man of the match. Bryony Robertson also gave a great performance as centre, despite playing out-of-position. The team worked the ball around the circle well and, followed up by some excellent shooting from Eleanor Kooiman, Millie Diss and Rhianna Queen. EUNC 6 took the win, 52 -14 and join EUNC 7 in the quarter finals of the Conference Plate as well as maintaining their 100% record. The 6s look forward to next Saturday where they will face their toughest competition in the league against Glasgow.

EUNC 6 Team Photo: Back row - Meghan Gleeson, Bryony Robertson, Eliza Waskett, Ellie Kooiman, Cescy Van Niekerk.

Front row- Rihanna Queen, Millie Diss (captain), Gaya Gole, Ottilie Black

EUNC 2

EUNC 2 finally got a home game this weekend against Glasgow 1s. It was a lovely late start so that was a good spirit booster for the team who all turned up well rested and ready to play. Going into the game we were wary that it was going to be close, with Glasgow sitting next to us in the league and having had similar results so far this season. After a thorough warm up and a good team talk, the twos were strong from the outset but as predicted, it started off closely with the first quarter ending 8-7 to Edinburgh. With some incredible performances from all players and a little team talk at half time about really wanting it and being feisty for the ball, we continued to lead throughout the game, ending with a victorious score of 38-23! The ball was brought through the centre court swiftly and calmly and the circle defence were on fire (Polly Keeling and Scarlett Brown nailed it!). Some lovely shooting too, especially from Taves Mason whose match temperament is always fantastic. Shout out too to Scarlett Brown, the multi-talented GK who just transitions seamlessly into a shooter in our times of need! Man of the match goes to Lauren Metcalfe who joined Polly in circle defence for the first time and absolutely smashed it! Overall a great performance for the 2s who just seem to be improving week after week and who are slowly creeping back up the table….we are now sitting in 3rd place.

EUNC 4 In the only away match of the day EUNC 4 traveled to Dundee for their last 16 match of the Scottish Conference Cup. Following two successful matches against Dundee 1s and 2s this season EUNC 4 went into the match against the 3s feeing confident. Due to multiple 4s injuries a squad of only 8 players, including EUNC 5s Rosina Barton travelled to the away game. This shortage of players was matched by Dundee who had only 7 players. An early injury to Dundee left them a player down for over half of the first quarter. The Dundee girls kept their heads and faught hard for the rest of the match. In the final half Dundee went down to 6 players again when a defender went off with an ankle injury. This allowed the Edinburgh side to storm into the lead. Credit to Dundee 3s for keeping their cool when they fell down to 6 players. Well done to shooters Razann Al Ghussein and Jessica Menzies for the phenomenal final score of 87-16. EUNC 4 make it into quarter finals of the Conference Cup.

EUNC 3

In the final EUNC match of the day EUNC 3s took on Strathclyde 2s in their first cup match and showed a promising start with an exceptional final score. Attack worked well together to concede as many goals as they could in this cup game. Strathclyde never gave up regardless of the score difference and kept pushing the 3s. But by keeping their cool and playing their own game the 3s managed to maintain and increase their lead more as the game went on. Tight defence throughout the court allowed the 3s to apply maximum pressure on Strathclyde which took them out of their comfort zone and allowed the 3s to take control of the game. Rosina Costello had a great game for the 3s getting loads of crucial interceptions on the circle edge. The shooters had outstanding accuracy and great team work with the attack. This win has given the 3s a good level of confidence for the quarter finals of the cup next semester.