NEWCASTLE U-19S 56
BANGOR U-19S 26
Newcastle Netball Club’s U-19 team delivered an outstanding performance at the Ballymote Centre on Sunday, securing a confident 52–26 victory over Bangor in a match that highlighted just how far this squad has progressed over the past year.
Even with key players unavailable and the inclusion of a U-16 player, the team showed maturity, resilience, and control from the first whistle to the last. Newcastle started the game with purpose and intensity, quickly settling into their structure and taking early control of possession. Calm ball movement through the court allowed the attacking unit to build patiently, while strong defensive pressure disrupted Bangor’s rhythm.
The opening quarter saw Newcastle establish a solid lead, finishing 12–7 ahead and setting a positive platform for the rest of the match. The second quarter saw Newcastle continue to grow in confidence. When the tempo occasionally threatened to become rushed, the team demonstrated excellent game awareness by resetting, maintaining composure, and returning to controlled, structured play. This ability to recognise and correct moments of instability proved crucial, enabling Newcastle to capitalise on turnovers and extend their advantage to 22–15 at half-time.
After the break, Newcastle produced their most dominant period of the match. Defensive pressure intensified across the court, forcing errors and creating multiple opportunities to transition quickly into attack. The team showed clinical execution during this phase, converting turnovers efficiently and building a commanding lead. By the end of the third quarter, Newcastle had opened the game up to 41–22, reflecting their work rate, discipline, and growing confidence.
The final quarter brought a challenging moment as an injury required medical treatment and temporarily disrupted the flow of the game. Credit must go to the players who remained on court, who responded with exceptional composure and focus. Rather than allowing the disruption to affect performance, Newcastle regrouped, supported one another, and pushed on with determination and maturity well beyond their years.
Despite the interruption, Newcastle maintained their intensity and control, continuing to play smart netball and closing out the match strongly. Their ability to stay calm under pressure and execute fundamentals late in the game was a clear sign of the squad’s development and growing belief.
This performance was a fantastic demonstration of the progress made by this U-19 group, showcasing their depth, adaptability, and collective strength. With one final league fixture, which was played on Monday (2 February), Newcastle’s U-19 side will look to carry this momentum forward before turning their attention to the upcoming shield competition.
Team: Anna, Emily, Evie, Katie, Maggie, Sophie, Mila, Sarah.
