Match Report: MASSIVE BUCS SATURDAY

Saturday 19th November was the biggest Saturday in Edinburgh University Netball Club's history. With a whopping seven teams playing in BUCS matches on the same day. After a successful weekend the week before and securing 6/6 wins, EUNC were hoping to carry this performance over into the next week.

3s and 4s still friends after a closely fought match

First up on the day was EUNC 3 versus EUNC 4 for the first time this season in BUCS division 2A. The two teams train together, and are very close so playing against each other is always very hard. It was always going to be a tense one. With a shaky first 10 minutes from both terms where the nerves clearly got the better of them, the first quarter finished with the 3s up by 3 goals. The second quarter was better from both teams with some great defensive and attacking play showcasing both teams' abilities and teamwork. The third quarter saw some fresh legs come on and the 3s started to pull away with the 4s still putting up a fight. The 3s came out victorious with a final score of 58-42. It was a good competitive game with a nice 3s and 4s group huddle at the end. Shout out to Razann Al Ghussein from the 4s and Louise Ferguson from the 3s for players of the match. Both teams continue to be frens 4 lyf and look forward to playing each other again next semester. Rip to Alice Insull and Charlotte Thomas who are plagued with injury but will be back on court after some Christmas pudding times.

EUNC 3 and 4 team photo

EUNC 5

Meanwhile, Edinburgh 5s left Edinburgh at the crack of dawn to travel to St Andrews to take on their 2s. Unfortunately the squad lost to St. Andrew's 42-50. The team were unlucky to lose, with every player competing the whole way through the match, but St. Andrew's strong defence down the court and accurate shooting proved too hard to break. Gemma Finegold got player of the match at GS, with some excellent shooting and movement in the attacking circle which proved hard for St. Andrew's defence to mark. The squad didn't let the defeat dampen their spirits and they enjoyed some post match fish and chips before the car journey back across the water.

Edinburgh 5s exploring St Andrews

EUNC 7

Edinburgh 7 also travelled away to play St.Andrews 4s. Only having 7 players from the off we knew it was going to be a challenge. We came up against a well-drilled, strong team and despite several players playing well and to the best of our abilities. St. Andrews came out on top winning 45-16 although the referee made a few dubious decisions. Lorraine was named man of the match for her efforts at centre, often breaking up St. Andrews play, and passing it onto our attack.

EUNC 2

Next up on the show court at CSE was the 2s who faced Heriot Watt for the second time this season. After a win at the very start of the season against this team, the 2s were excited to play on home turf and were hoping for another success. With a couple of players missing this week, the squad of 8 had a lot to do – having only one substitute often creates that little added pressure, knowing that there’s not much possible movement of players on court. However, this didn’t get to the team during the match – the girls brought the ball up through the court absolutely seamlessly, losing very little ball and turning over wherever they could. The team displayed some absolutely beautiful netball; it is so great to see everything we have been working on coming together!! Our coach Mary Ann Cosgrove said that the team showed the ‘best attacking play I’ve seen from any twos team since being part of EUNC’, which is something to be extremely proud of. A whole team effort saw the final result of 68-50 to EUNC 2s, a great result!! Captain, Beth Hale is very proud and hope that the girls take lots of confidence from their performance in this match forward with them in the fixtures to come. Excellent performance gals, go twos!!

EUNC 6

On Saturday the 6s took on the university of Glasgow 3s in what proved to be our toughest match yet. The first quarter ended in an 11-11 draw, with everything to play for. However, Glasgow got stronger and despite Bekki Fallon and Eliza Waskett's strong defence in the circle, and Meghan Gleeson and Millie Diss's movement throughout the centre third, Glasgow just got the better of us in the last quarter with the final score being 44-32. Sophie Balsillie was player of the match, scoring some brilliant long distance shots. During the final quarter Meghan 'trooper' Gleeson took a tumble fractured her elbow, she didn't come off however, she continued to play up until the final whistle. Wishing you a speedy recovery Meg!

EUNC 1

In the final match of the day EUNC 1s played strathclyde 1s for a second time this semester. The 1sts were looking to build on their performance from the first time time they played each other. With the presence of some EUNC 1 alumni, the team got off to a great start ending the first quarter 16-1. The team continued to build throughout the match and started the second half with a strong lead. Strathclyde made some changes and fought back but it wasn't enough on the day. Final score 68-28 to EUNC 1s