Netball NI Ann Curran Shield
Newcastle 43 Bangor 25
AFTER ending their league campaign on a high last week, Newcastle Netball Club’s senior side took to the court to begin their Ann Curran Shield campaign with a confident yet focused mindset.
Facing Bangor in the opening round on Sunday, the Newcastle squad demonstrated determination, solid teamwork, and flashes of brilliance in a hard-fought encounter that ended with a 43-25 victory.
The match began with Newcastle taking some time to find their rhythm. The first quarter was a cautious affair, with both teams battling to settle into the game.
Newcastle’s starting seven; Therese, Erin, Aishling, Christine, Shona, Claire, and Deidre, initially struggled with some erratic passing that disrupted their flow.
Despite this, the shooting duo of Claire and Deidre was clinical under the post, ensuring Newcastle held a 7-3 lead at the end of the opening period. Bangor, to their credit, applied consistent defensive pressure and forced several uncharacteristic errors from the Newcastle attack.
In the second quarter, Newcastle began to calm their play and impose themselves on the game. The team showed greater composure through the court, with Christine orchestrating transitions well from the centre and Shona providing steady support on the wing.
The defensive pairing of Therese and Erin was rock-solid, repelling Bangor’s advances with well-timed interceptions and strong marking.
With Claire and Deidre continuing their excellent shooting form, Newcastle extended their lead to 16-8 by halftime.
The second quarter showcased a more balanced and well-paced performance, with fewer mistakes and better execution across the board.
Read how Newcastle’s best quarter was their third.
