The University of East London’s Netball Third Team’s 2017-18 league campaign did not get off to the best of starts, as they were defeated 30-25 by Queen Mary University of London’s Seventh Team at the Sports Dock.
Potential
Ellie Clark deputised as the coach of the side and despite the result, she was pleased with the girls’ overall performance, especially considering they only trained together for the first time, less than 24 hours before the actual game.
“I am really happy. Obviously at the start there was a big difference between scores for Queen Mary’s and UEL, however, throughout the game it showed and reflected how the girls started to know each other, how each other played. I understand that we lost but I am comfortable with that because it just shows how much better we are going to get in the future,” Clark said.
The hosts’ inexperience was evident in the early exchanges, as they trailed their more experienced opponents by four points after the opening quarter. This margin was then extended to eight points after the second quarter. However, Clark’s side demonstrated great character and managed to reduce the deficit to just three points at one stage in the final quarter, to make the scores 23-20 before eventually succumbing to defeat.
Mission Kimpossible
Goal-shooter: Kimberley Lawrence, impressively netted 18 times over the course of the match and was delighted with the team’s display, suggesting the team’s showing in the final quarter illustrated the progression of the side.
“I think it went really well considering we have never played together as a team before, so I think we did really good and you can tell from the scorecard we built it up over the game. In the last quarter, was our best quarter so I think we did quite good,” Lawrence said.
Communicate
The side’s next encounter sees UEL travel to Canterbury Christ Church University to face their Fourth Team on October 18th. Asked how the team could improve in preparation for the match, Clark said the dialogue amongst the players needed refining.
“It will be amazing, with the goal-shooter and the goal-attack, after a bit they will actually start to learn where each other is without having to [verbally] communicate and that is the same with the goal-keeper and the goal-defence. By just knowing where [we are] without having to shout will give you such a strong advantage,” Clark said.
Clark was also optimistic of getting a positive result against Canterbury Christ Church, suggesting that their performance against Queen Mary’s, exhibited chemistry among the players.
“I think we should have it. This game shows, by knowing each other for less than 17 hours, we will be a strong team and I believe with one more training session, we should be able to perform,” Clark said.
