Birmingham’s netball team were unbeaten at home. In turn, Northumbria were unbeaten in all games this season. One of these records had to fall – and unfortunately it was Brum’s to go. The signs were there from the first quarter. Despite a sharp start form Birmingham, with Jordan Moxey and Harriet Wingfield playing particularly well, Northumbria forced themselves into the lead. They were too physical, too efficient and too sharp. By the end of the first quarter Birmingham heads were down. It was 6-14.
The change of ends allowed us to see more of Northumbria’s forward play. The front two were excellent, picking apart Birmingham with their seemingly telepathic movement. The goal defence and goalkeeper for Birmingham tried to be more physical but it failed to disrupt their link up play. The two oozed confidence and class, whilst failing not to put a foot wrong the entire game. At the other end, the promising relationship early on between Emily Sutton and Ashlee Thomas-Rowe began to stutter, and the two struggled to fashion chances against the increasingly resolute Northumbria defence. The normally excellent Birmingham crowd were relatively muted as the score stood at 12-30 to the opposition.
Bit of action from the Munrow earlier- Emily Sutton of @UOBNetball sinking 1 of her 18 goals. @UBSport @BUCSsport pic.twitter.com/gGgFh72Fbj
— BurnFM Sport (@BurnFM_Sport) November 18, 2015
There were improvements in the final quarter with Hannah Girdlestone showing signs of quality and Jordan Moxey proving dangerous through the centre. A promising Gemma Blank came on at wing attack which also helped to fashion chances. The problem was the efficiency of the Northumbria front two; they were clearly a very well drilled team and the excellent service provided meant they could score with regularity. Coupled with their obvious physicality, Northumbria were just a touch too strong on the day. The score finished 28-59 to the opposition as the ladies slipped to a heavy defeat – one they will look to bounce back from next week away to 2nd placed Leeds Beckett.
Feature image credited to University of Birmingham Netball Club
UoB Women’s Netball 1s vs Northumbria 1s by Burnfm_Sport on Mixcloud
