The evening of Tuesday 18th October saw the two newly-named Penrith netball teams, Swifts and Lakers, take each other on in round one of the Carlisle Netball League’s winter competition. A hard-fought game ultimately saw Penrith Swifts take the win with a final score of 32-23.
Both teams took time to settle into the game in the first and second quarters. The excitement of playing against their usual teammates left everyone flustered as shown by the small, unforced errors that peppered the first two halves. Lakers were able to compose themselves ahead of their opponents and, boosted by their incredible Jackson/Aris shooting duo, they ended with a lead of one goal at the half-time whistle.
A change of personnel in the third quarter lifted both teams, Swifts especially. Although Lakers kept the pressure on to start, Swifts hunkered down and took a win in the quarter of nine goals to three, pushing the score line to 22-17 with only 11 minutes to go. Still not a cut-and-dry game for either side.
The final quarter saw both teams power on and fatigue in equal measure; the latter more noticeable in the final five minutes. After going goal-for-goal for a short while, Swifts were able to build upon their five-goal lead, extending it to nine by the time the final whistle blew.
Special mention must go to the Players of the Match for each team – Jo Richards (Penrith Swifts) and Lucy Peile (Penrith Lakers). Thanks are also extended to the umpires and scorer for the evening.
Penrith Swifts take to the court in two weeks’ time as they face Carlisle-based Meerkats 3, and Penrith Lakers follow the week after (8th November) against Mavericks.
