Southgate secure first win in their first regional appearance

Southgate began their East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 2 campaign with a 23-50 win, securing 5 points and producing a solid foundation on which to build on (29/09/13).

Although all Regional League games are played at Loughborough University’s Netball Centre, Southgate’s match was still seen as a bit of a local derby because the team was taking on fellow Derbyshire-based club Iceni. The first quarter saw a closely competed 15 minutes with some evidently frantic periods of netball. However, sharp shooting from both clubs meant the quarter finished 7-9 in Southgate’s favour.

At the break, Southgate’s coach Pauline Brasher (who turns 70 in early October) asked for patience on court. The team took note but still continued to work tirelessly to turn over the ball. In particular, the club’s youngest stars, Tamikah Campbell and Brittany Coleman (who represent England at under 17 and under 19 level), demonstrated a phenomenal display of skill, turning over the ball and hitting the circle edge whenever they could. Both shooters were also finding the ring, which allowed Southgate to go into half-time 13-21 ahead.

The third quarter saw some positional changes and a first appearance from Sarah Guy at WD, which allowed the team to go into the final quarter with a strong lead. Southgate never looked back and although both teams worked hard until the final whistle, Southgate took the honours by 50 goals to 23.

Emma Warren was nominated as the ‘Player of the Match’ for Southgate and Laina Richardson for Iceni.

Southgate NC - team photo winning the Janice Ruddle Derbyshire Tournament.

Southgate NC - Left to right - Tamikah Campbell (England U19), Emma Warren (player of the match), Brittany Coleman (England U17)