TFC Match Report

By Rona Hunnisett

TFC Netball Club overturned a nine goal defecit at half time to snatch victory in the Netball UK Challenge Shield Final 39-36 against Poly Netball Club at Bath University today.

For the first two periods, Poly appeared to be cruising: tall GS Alex Taylor was exploiting her height and superior reach to dominate the attacking circle, and thanks to some pinpoint feeding from GA Jayne Lea and WA Claire Christmas, frequently found herself with an unmarked shooting opportunity under the post. At half time, Poly led 22-13.

But TFC were determined that the trip to Bath was not to be a fruitless one. Slowly but surely, they worked their way back into the game, taking full advantage of the errors which were starting to creep into the Poly game. Using a patient game plan, WA Kirsty Hawker and C Jo Tomblin worked the ball steadily around the attacking circle, waiting for the opportunity to find their shooters in space, which they did. At three quarter time, TFC trailed 29-26 and their vociferous supporters sensed that the victory could still be theirs.

The final period was a thriller. Poly scored two goals to pull four ahead, but TFC came back, scoring three without reply, before losing the ball on the edge of their own attacking circle to a flying intercept from WD Lisa Sumpter. Yet still Poly could not establish any sort of rhythm, and with TFC GA Katie Bond finding the net with some long range shots that had the crowd on their feet, TFC drew level, and went ahead with less than two minutes to play. GK Vicky Crosby forced an error from the Poly attack, which was converted by her shooters, and TFC could sense the victory. Thanks to some impressive shooting under pressure by GS Lucy Murphy and Bond, TFC edged three goals in front as the final whistle went.

Coach Rob Bond was ecstatic at his team's efforts. "What a fantastic team effort - they worked so hard for each other. As a club, we never give up, and have a real "never say die" attitude, and it paid off today."

Starting line ups:

Poly: GS Alex Taylor, GA Jayne Lea, WA Claire Christmas, C Helena Sedgwick, WD Laura Haylock, GD Jessica Jones, GK Melonae Thomas

Changes/substitutions: 3rd Q: GA Lisa Sumpter, WD Rosie Holcroft, GD Jo Barnes, 4th Q: Lea to GA, Sumpter to WD, Jones to GD

TFC: GS Lucy Murphy, GA Donna Elliott, WA Katie Bond, C Jo Tomblin, WD Caroline Orton, GD Paula Molloy, GK Melissa Croxall

Changes / substitutions; 2nd Q: Bond to GA, WA Kirsty Hawker, GK Vicky Crosby

Shooting statistics:

Poly: Taylor 29/38, Lea 4/6, Sumpter 3/8

TFC: Murphy 20/29, Bond 18/26, Elliott 1/5