Penrith Netball came away with a 44 – 42 victory over Meerkats 2 in the first round of the new Summer League, building upon their successes in the previous winter competition. This new handicap league brings together teams from both Division I and II of the Carlisle Netball League for two full months of stellar netball, and this time Penrith have two teams entering the fray.
This starting match-up was hard-fought for Penrith 1s as they faced up with Meerkats 2, a Division I side. Despite this, the Penrith team consistently led in the first half of the game, even if the handicap was removed.
The tried-and-tested Blackburn/Holme shooting duo led the charge in the first quarter which ended 32-17 in Penrith’s favour, but mention should most definitely be made of the mid-courters who put in a tremendous effort to keep up with the quick-moving Meerkats game.
The second half of the game moved slower, and Penrith did begin to tire. They preserved all the same to cling on to the lead at three-quarter time (score of 43-33) but the fourth quarter was the real nailbiter! Meerkats pushed for every ball to keep Penrith to only one goal scored in the last 11 minutes whilst they netted nine. Sadly, it was not quite enough and Penrith beat the buzzer to take the overall victory.
This match also saw the first outing for new league players for Penrith, Nat Edmondson and Jo Richards, who gave it their all and played a key part in the Penrith win. Congratulations are extended to the Players of the Match, Cara Watson (Penrith 1) and Amy Alcock (Meerkats 2), as well as thanks to the umpires for the evening.
Penrith 1 will be on court again on Tuesday 14th June when they face Harraby 1 in the next round of the summer handicap league. Next week sees Penrith 2 begin their summer campaign with a Harraby 2 match-up.
