The University of East London’s Netball Second Team continued their unbeaten start to the season as they emphatically defeated University Campus Suffolk’s First Team, 34-11 at the Sports Dock on Wednesday, in what was their first match in the South Eastern Conference Bowl.

The side were in good form going into the match – accumulating four points from their first two South Eastern 10B league games: a 19-19 draw with King’s College at home in their previous fixture, and a 37-12 away victory to Writtle College, and were looking to extend their unbeaten run into their first Cup match of the season, which they accomplished under deputising Coach Nadine Sefton, sister of the Second Team Coach: Sophie, who was unavailable for the clash.

Taking Risks

The team were without a number of Second Team regulars and were forced to include a few Third Team players including Wing-Attacker Cathryn Tomnay, to deputise in their absence. However despite the alterations, Sefton was delighted with the result.

“I think they did really, really well. We have got a few girls who are playing up and some who have never played netball before ever, they have not all played together so it was a really good result,” she said.

UEL were in the ascendancy from the first whistle and took an early 2-0 lead before Suffolk finally found their shooting-range to half the deficit, in what was a closely contested first quarter that UEL eventually led 8-4.

The UEL Netball Second Team in action against University Campus Suffolk

The hosts then scored seven goals without reply in the second quarter, before netting 10 goals in the third quarter, with the occasional Suffolk goal, making the scores 25-7 going into the final quarter, which UEL ultimately won 34-11.

 

Game Plan

Tomnay was one of the Third Team inclusions for the game and was pleased that the side were able to implement their game-plan successfully.

“I think we did really well because we have not all played in a game together as a team, it was quite a struggle getting all the numbers together, so we played together really well. I think we did not rush any passes and we stuck to the game plan,” Tomnay said.

Dream Debut

The match was Tomnay’s first for the Second Team and she impressed on her debut. Asked how well Tomnay had settled into the Side, Sefton said, “She settled in very well, amazing, she was one of my favourite players from today.”

Cathryn Tomnay (Right) anticipates a pass during their match against University Campus Suffolk’s First Team

Tomnay’s first match for the Third Team ended in a 30-25 defeat to Queen Mary University of London’s Seventh Team. However given her performance against Suffolk, she was optimistic of cementing a position in the Second Team.

“Yeah it is a really good team to play with and that [playing for the Second Team] would be nice. I have to keep going to training and playing hard in the games and just getting better as an individual.”

All The Way?

The Second Team’s next Cup match sees the side travel away to Anglia Ruskin University on Wednesday 8th October to face their Third Team and asked whether the side could go all the way in the competition, Tomnay suggested the side need to consistently perform to have a good opportunity of winning the tournament.

“I think we have got a really good chance if we play like we did today and the other games as well. I think if we just play together as a team and keep the tempo up then we will have a really good shot to go all the way,” Tomnay said.