Denbigh’s netballers too good for Glenmuir

DENBIGH HIGH School’s netballers hit top form on home court yesterday to score wins over Glenmuir High’s junior and senior teams in Zone F of the ISSA rural netball competition.

The Winston Nevers-coached school defeated Glenmuir 28-12 in the junior match and got past the seniors 35-26 to end the preliminary round unbeaten.

Denbigh’s juniors set the pace early and the outstanding goal shooter Chrisdale Wignall, centre Alexia Grant and wing attack Tashi Williams ensured that it was one-way traffic all the way. They raced to an 11-1 lead in the first quarter before closing out the half at 18-3.

The very tall Wignall was unstoppable inside the circle as she led her team to an easy victory.

Glenmuir, the beaten senior finalists last year, pushed hard to get on even terms in the senior game but it was Denbigh who raced to an early 4-1 lead. However, for the remainder of the quarter, Glenmuir came into their own and, at one stage, the score was level at 6-6 before Denbigh took a 12-8 lead at the break.

With lanky goal shooter Tessannia Edwards combining well with goal attack Trishauna Allen, Glenmuir came into their own as they gained on their opponents to draw even at 14-14 before taking a 16-15 lead at the half-time break

Denbigh found their rhythm in the third quarter through the talented goal shooter Leneice Williams and goal attack Abigail Williams, with good support from wing attack Mariah Wellington, and they went in front 28-23 at break.

Denbigh made several turnovers in the final quarter but Glenmuir failed to take advantage and the home team, with strong support from their vociferous supporters, carved out a nine-goal advantage in the end.

Winning coach Nevers was very happy after his teams’ double success.

“We played well today. I saw Glenmuir’s juniors playing earlier in the season and I knew we had a very strong team led by young Wignall. However, I expected a very close affair in the senior game, as Glenmuir have been one of the best schoolgirl netball teams in the past three years,” said Nevers. “We could have scored a bigger win but there were too many turnovers in the second half as our shooters were off a bit, and we will have to lift our performance in the second round, as it will be tougher.”

Losing coach Ryan Reid said his senior girls are not yet match fit, and he was not disappointed after the defeats.

“I am not disappointed, as we have only played one game all season and the girls were very rusty and it showed in the latter part of the game, as we really played well up to the third quarter. I am very confident that, when we meet again later in the season, my team will come out on top,” said Reid.