Image Credit: Ethan Harris
By Lee Clow & Gerren Scapens
05 February 2020 | Netball
USW 2nd were rarely troubled by a weak Winchester 3rd side, chalking up an emphatic 46-37 netball success at the USW Sport Park.
The hosts started the game brightly and scored within the first few minutes through Kiera Aitken.
Winchester responded well and actually took the lead courtesy of three quick goals by Beryl Okeyo.
Olivia Steward made it four before Okeyo added another to extend their lead.
USW were far from defeated however. They mounted a comeback, scoring two in quick succession through Aitken, and after some clinical attacking moves the home side managed to close the gap with Winchester trailing off late in the first quarter.
By the time the the teams went in at the first break, Winchester held a narrow 8-10 lead with little sign of what was to come.
At the start of the second quarter USW managed to get themselves level and then took a stranglehold by launching wave after wave of attacks.
The hosts led 24-19 at the halfway point but soon took advantage with clever use of their substitutes who brought new energy to proceedings.
As the third quarter wore on, Sophie Donaldson took the spotlight by putting clear daylight between USW and Winchester, as the away side started to tire.
And the last 10 minutes of the third quarter proved to be a vital turning point in the encounter, as USW managed to more than double the lead they had at half-time.
Despite the differential between the two sides, both Beryl Okeyo and Olivia Steward put in a great last quarter performance to try and spark a Winchester revival.
It was never really on the cards though, the damage had already been done.
The final quarter was perfectly managed by USW as the deficit remained at nine.
USW can be happy with a well-rounded performance in which the whole squad performed when needed.
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