Denbigh’s netballers too strong for Glenmuir

Denbigh High School's netballers were on 'fire' yesterday, as the Winston Nevers-coached junior and senior teams scored easy victories, 28-12 and 35-26, respectively, over Clarendon neighbours Glenmuir High in their Zone F ISSA rural encounters at Denbigh High.

Denbigh's junior team set the early pace, with their outstanding goal shooter Crisdale Wignall, centre Alexia Grant and wing attack Tashi Williams dominating. For the first quarter they raced to an 11- 1 lead, before closing out the half 18-3.

It was no different for the remainder of the game, as the very tall Wignall was unstoppable inside the circle, scoring at will to help her team to an easy win

Glenmuir, the beaten senior finalists last year, were determined to get on even terms in the feature game. However, Denbigh were fast out of the blocks and raced to a 4-1 lead. However, for the remainder of the quarter, Glenmuir came into their own and at one stage the score was level at 6-6, before Denbigh recovered to take a 12-8 lead at the break.

With lanky goal shooter Tessannia Edwards combining well with goal attack Trishauna Allen, Glenmuir rallied to draw even at 14-14, and then took a 16-15 lead at the halftime break.

On the resumption, Denbigh stepped up a gear and regained their rhythm, with the talented goal shooter Leneice Williams and goal attack Abigail Williams leading the charge, with good support from wing attack Mariah Wellington. At the end of the quarter they led 28-23.

With Denbigh making several turnovers in the final quarter, Glenmuir failed to take advantage of the situation and in the end Denbigh with support from their vociferous home supporters, carved out a nine-goal win.

" We played well today," said Nevers. "I was not disappointed with the junior scores as I saw Glenmuir playing earlier in the season and I knew we had a very strong team, led by young Wignall. However, I expected a very close affair in the senior game as Glenmuir have been one of the best schoolgirl netball teams over the past three years."

Glenmuir's coach Ryan Reid said, "I am not disappointed as we have only played one game all season and the girls were very rusty. It showed in the latter part of the game, as we really played well up to the third quarter. I am very confident that when we meet again in the season my team will come out on top," said Reid.