Wiltshire Play off for RL2

On Sunday 10th April 2011 Devizes took their first step towards regional level netball when we headed to Swindon to play the winners of the Swindon League, Abbeymeads, in the local play off to decide who represents Wiltshires at the forthcoming play offs to enter Regional League 2 for the 2011-12 season.

The squad who travelled without regulars Louise (ineligible) and Anna (work commitments) were joined by Kit and Jo who made her first appearance for Devizes this season after the birth of son Harry only 5 weeks before.

In the first quarter a very well drilled Abbeymeads came out very strongly and quickly pulled out a 5 goal lead while we adjusted to the speed and intensity of the game which we have not experienced. Towards the end of the first quarter we were finding more of the dynamic attacking netball we have instilled in ourselves and our defensive unit were getting to grips with the fast and sharp attack of Abbeymeads. Unfortunately we went into the 2nd quarter giving Abbey a 14-4 advantage, however with our shooters now finding the net and our defence picking up balls at the back the second quarter was far more evenly matched.

Changes were made at half time with Jo coming on at shooter and Claire Robinson at WD and Lucy moving to WA, and again we put Abbeymeads under more pressure and were starting to find good shooting opportunities. An injury to Lucy half way through the 3rd quarter meant an introduction at GS for Steph and a new position of WA for Jo (sorry Jo I’ll warn you next time!)  The changes did not interrupt our flow and another close quarter followed, again with Abbey four goals to the good.

Going into the last quarter a very determined Devizes side took to the court strongly and quickly established a quarter score five goal lead with some good shots by Becki and Steph and Alice and Sedgy taking some good interceptions at the back. Abbey fought back hard and put on a display of some outstanding netball; however we had found our stride by then as we went on to win the final quarter. Final score was 42-25 to Abbeymeads.

Everyone played brilliantly on the day, but a special mention for Alice who had the game of her life at GD and Becki G who did a captain’s job and stepped up to the GA position for the first time all season!.

Squad – Becki G, Hannah, Lucy, Kit, Clare R, Claire S, Steph, Jo, Alice, and Becky S

Devizes, we played some great netball and pushed Abbeymeads hard, but the more experienced team at this level succeeded on the day, but I am very proud of the hard work and commitment you have shown and it is paying off and puts us in a great position for next season, when I expect the experience we have had this season puts us in a strong position.

Thank you to everyone who came to support us on the day and also to Anna and Louise, we missed you both on the day but your hard work throughout the season helped get us there! To Kit for coming back to experience this with us and to Jo for making a quick return from maternity leave!!!

Next season we go all the way to regional play offs!!!!!

A fantastic season well done all!

Nikki x