Hornets Runners Up in National Fastnet Finals
The National Fastnet Tournament was held at the Echo Arena Liverpool this weekend, as the support matches for the World Netball Series. An excellent display by Hornets, who represented the East region by winning the regional knockout round in May, saw them reach the final against Premier League 1 opponents Hucclecote representing the South West. Fastnet, netballs answer to twenty twenty cricket, is played over four 6 minute quarters with rolling substitutions and slightly different scoring rules.
The games on Saturday saw Hornets finish second in their group, only losing 1 match to their eventual final opponents Hucclecote 25-17. Sundays semi final saw Hornets drawn against the other group winners Minchenden who were undefeated on the previous day. A flying start by Hornets saw them race into a 5-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. Hornets used the second quarter for their power play, where all goals scored count double and Sarah Beattie and Kristina O’Hara made this count scoring 9 times making a total of 18 goals for the quarter against their opponents 2 the half time score 23-3. Hornets were now in control against a dispirited opposition and increased their lead to 28-4 at the end of the quarter. Michenden used the last quarter for their power play but it was too late as the game had already slipped from their grasp. Hornets winning by an impressive 33-8 margin.
Through to the final playing their previous days conquerors Hucclecote. The final lived up to all the pre match razzmatazz as the players were introduced individually running on court between the huge gas jets of flame. The final saw Hucclecote start impressively scoring 4 goals before Hornets could get on the board, the end of the quarter saw the score at 5-1. Hornets regrouped and used their power play in the second quarter and in a match that was now being dominated by the defences of both sides Hornets scored 4 goals and restricted their opponents to 2 goals to lead at half time 7-9. The third quarter saw a tremendous battle all the way down the court as both sides fought for every ball and at the end of the quarter Hucclecote had edged into a 1 goal lead 13-12. With Hucclecote using their power play in the last quarter the match seemed a forgone conclusion but Fernanda Chapinneli, back after injury for the first time this season and Holly Lundgren in defence had other ideas and with the centre court of Anna Hewitt, Caroline Bedford, Caroline Evans, Amelia Costin and Laura Edwards all playing their part Hucclecote shooters were restricted to 2 goals taking their score to 17. Unfortunately at the other end the Hucclecote defence were causing problems for the Hornets shooters and with several shots bouncing out of the net instead of dropping through, Hornets managed only 1 goal losing a highly entertaining and competitive final 17-13. A fantastic performance by all participants meant Hornets collected well deserved Silver Medals.
Later on that day an inspiring performance from England saw them become World Netball Series champions with a 33 – 26 victory over New Zealand, having competed against the top 6 teams in the world and beating World Champions Australia in the Semi Finals. A great day was had by all who was involved to witness this historic win.
