Celtic
Dragons
vs
Team Northumbria
Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Saturday 13 May 2006
The Dragons put on a show of grit and determination against Team Northumbria in their final match of this season. They took an early lead with some outstanding passages of play during the first quarter at the end of which they were 6 goals ahead.
Northumbria were forced to make changes to their team after the first quarter but the Dragons stayed with their starting seven and managed to hold onto the advantage.
Northumbria continued to make changes throughout the match, but the Dragons could not be ruffled and did not allow these opposition changes to alter their determination.
Going into the final quarter with the score at Dragons 30 goals to Northumbria 24, Nicola Lewis was brought on for Jamilla Abbott at goal shooter; but with the opposition also making a change in their shooting circle, Dragons found it difficult to settle back down into their rhythm of play, which allowed Northumbria to have a run of goals bringing, the teams level.
However, with some forceful play from all the team members and with Emma Bliss at Goal Defence continuing to strive for turn overs throughout the match, the Dragons hung on, despite immense pressure. However, Team Northumbria had the advantage, which they managed to turn into a lead of 2 goals, finally taking the match 42 goals to 40.
Emma Bliss was named
Celtic Dragons player of the match for the second week running, for her
determination and forceful play in working to make turnovers for her team.
Celtic
Dragons
vs
Loughborough Lightning
Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Saturday 29 April 2006
The Dragons entertained Loughborough Lightning on their home ground when
the teams met for the second time. The game started strongly for Lightening
and they were 8 goals ahead with Dragons unable to find any answers. Celtic
Dragons’ Jamilla Abbott took the court at the opposite end to usual
- as Goal Keeper - and she contained the opposition well in the circle
throughout the match.
At the end of the first quarter, with Lightening 10 goals ahead, Rhiannon Ace moved to wing attack, allowing Ffion Roach to move from Goal Shooter to Goal Attack and Nic Lewis to come on as Goal Shooter, hoping that the change of strategy would allow the Dragons to pull back some goals.
Despite the best efforts in centre court the Dragons found it difficult to penetrate the Loughborough defence even though there were passages of inspired play through the court by captain Anna Mayes and Ace. The Dragons defence of Abbott, Hale and Bliss strived hard to make it difficult for Lightening to penetrate through centre court.
The final quarter saw Kate Edwards take the court as Goal Attack with Mayes moving to Wing Attack and Amanda Trounce returning as centre. This quarter, Dragons gave some of their best play showing that they are well capable of competing with the best but they must work hard for more consistency. They kept up well with the opposition in the last quarter which was only lost by 7 goals to 11. However, the final score of 60 to 24 in Loughborough Lightning’s favour shows that Celtic Dragons must now be determined to play to the level to which they are well capable throughout the match.
Final Score: Celtic Dragons - 24; Loughborough Lightning - 60
For her hard work
both on and off the court and her encouragement to her team Anna Mayes
was man of the match.
Celtic
Dragons
vs
Team Bath
Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Friday 24 February 2006
The Dragons got off to a good start, scoring the first goal against very
strong opposition. However, this was never going to be an easy game and
Team Bath soon settled down and started to score goals.
In the first quarter,
Sian Carrington In goal defence, took some excellent interceptions and
made her presence felt. Jamilla Abbott, at Goal Attack was instructed
to contain Team Bath Goal Defence, which she was determined to do throughout
the quarter.
However, the quarter finished 3 goals to 13 against the home team.
The opportunity was taken to try some experimental changes to the team in an effort to take the opposition by surprise. The shooters and centre court players changed each quarter but Sara Hale and Lynda James remained, playing strongly and never giving up against the forceful play of Team Bath.
Going into the final quarter the score was Celtic Dragons 9 Team Bath 39. With Nic Lewis at shooter and several other positional changes to the team, the score line increased to finish at
Celtic Dragons
15 Team Bath 54.
Celtic
Dragons
vs
Brunel University
Brunel University, Uxbridge
Saturday 4 February 2006
The Celtic Dragons faced a difficult task in their match against Brunel
Hurricanes, currently equal second in the figleaves.com netball superleague.
The game started at a furious pace, with the Dragons taking time to settle into their usual style of play.
An injury to Lynda James, Dragons goal keeper, early in the second quarter gave Jamilla Abbot the chance to show her versatility taking on the role of keeper. She showed her determination very well, frequently making things difficult for the Hurricanes shooters.
Young centre court players, Suzy Drane and Amanda Trounce worked hard to bring the ball through the court, with Trounce playing the unfamiliar position of wing defence.
Because of the unavailability of several team members, due to illness and injury the Dragons faced Brunel with several players out of position. However they played the game with spirit, never letting their heads drop and playing with tenacity and resilience despite the goal difference.
Brunel continued to dominate throughout the final quarter, but with several magnificent moves in the last few minutes the Dragons scored two wonderful goals in the final stages, bringing the final score to:
Brunel 69 - Celtic Dragons 22.
Suzy Drane continues to improve showing great maturity and Jamilla Abbott took player of the match for her dogged determination.
Celtic
Dragons
vs
Leeds Met Carnegie
Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Saturday 28 January 2006
The Celtic Dragons roared into action against Leeds Met in front of a
home crowd in Cardiff. The Dragons aim was to improve on the draw on the
first meeting with Leeds Met and to take the match right to the opposition
and they did just that with a final score of:
Celtic Dragons 51 – Leeds Met Carnegie - 38
Emma Bliss played at Goal Defence against Welsh International Amanda Evans who had given the Dragons so many problems in the first match. Bliss’ instructions were to contain Evans so as not to allow her easy access into a good shooting position. This she did with skill and determination throughout the match.
In the centre court
Anna Mayes and Rhiannon Ace moved the ball skilfully and imaginatively
through the court capitalizing on any mistakes made by the opposition
and feeding expertly into the circle.
At the end of the first quarter Celtic Dragons had taken a lead of 14
goals to 9.
During the second
quarter Leeds Met made a substantial effort to cut down on this lead but
at half time the difference was still 6 goals - 25 goals to 19.
With Ffion Roach at Goal Attack making some excellent moves and shooting
clinically the Dragons held onto their lead going into the final quarter.
Nic Lewis substituted for Jamilla Abbott at Goal shooter for the last
quarter. Roach and Lewis played together sympathetically and managed to
make space for themselves in the circle enabling accurate shooting to
be made by both players.
For her excellent
court play and clinical shooting Ffion Roach was chosen as Man of the
Match.
Celtic
Dragons
vs
Northumbria
Gateshead Leisure Centre
Saturday 7 January 2006
The game promised to be both fast and physical and this proved to be the
case.
Team Northumbria used the match for the debut of Belinda Colling (Silver Ferns) and Dragons’ Goal Defence Sara Hale was up against her. Hale showed her international class against Colling and kept her well in check throughout, proving herself to be the Dragons ‘Man of the Match’.
The first quarter ended 13 – 9 to team Northumbria. A similar second quarter resulted in the Dragons going into the second half 23 – 16.
At half time Nicola Lewis and Kate Edwards came on for Jamilla Abbott and Rhiannon Ace at shooter and goal attack respectively. Ace then moved to wing attack with Anna Mayes moving to centre and Karen Roberts to wing defence.
After a shaky first five minutes the team settled down and began to claw back the deficit. The final quarter saw Ace back at goal attack with Amanda Trounce coming on to have a good quarter at wing attack.
Once again for the
Celtic Dragons the final quarter was their best with some determined play
bringing them a quarter score of 11 goals to 10 and within 12 goals of
Team Northumbria, finishing the match 45 goals to 33.
Celtic
Dragons
vs
Mavericks
Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Saturday 17 December 2005
The first Celtic Dragon match at WIS proved to be an exciting game, full
of flair and physical competitiveness. The first quarter started well
for the home team, as they managed to contain Mavericks for the opening
minutes. Opportunities were denied for both teams by some excellent defensive
work. The quarter eventually ended 7 – 13 to Mavericks.
Changes in the second quarter saw Sian Carrington take the court at wing defence. She made some inspired drives down court and took a couple of interceptions.
Mavericks put more pressure on in the second half and drew away to a 30 – 13 lead. In the third quarter Lynda James came on at Goal Keeper, taking lots of overhead feeds to the Maverick Goal Shooter. Sara Hale moved to Goal Defence and Kate Edwards came on at Goal Attack with Rhiannon Ace moving across to Wing Attack and Anna Mayes to centre. The quarter was by far the most hotly contested, with Dragons losing narrowly 7 – 9, showing grit and patience and an impressive quick release game.
The final quarter gave Jo Davies the chance to get on at wing defence and Amanda Trounce came back on at centre with Anna Mayes moving back to wing attack.
The Celtic Dragons found it hard work to feed the shooters, due to the ‘brick wall’ defence in and around the circle. They continued to fight to the end and the 24 – 53 score line did not really reflect this highly competitive game.
Anna Mayes worked tirelessly and down the court, turning the ball and dominating in the Dragons attacking third
Final Score:
- Mavericks 53 – Celtic Dragons 24
Celtic
Dragons
vs
Loughborough
Netball Centre
Loughborough University
Saturday 10 December 2005
The team motto for the game was “Losses and Setbacks are useful
reminders of what is required to be the best”
The Celtic Dragons Squad really rose to the occasion at Loughborough. Spirits were running high in the changing rooms prior to the game. Both players and management believe the Dragons are improving and gaining confidence with each match.
An exciting first half left the Dragons 15 – 37 down going into half time. The third quarter saw some changes to the team with Anna Mayes moving to Centre and Suzie Drane going to Wing Defence, having started at Wing Attack and Centre respectively. Amanda Trounce came on at Wing Attack, and, with Sam Lyons taking over as Goal Keeper, the third quarter saw the start of a magnificent fight back. In the final quarter the Dragons really roared, taking it 12 – 11.
The final score was 34 – 62.
Rhiannon Ace
was named player of the match for Celtic Dragons having played a tireless
and superb game with outstanding shooting
Celtic
Dragons
vs
Team Bath
Bath University
Friday 11 November 2005
The main match of the evening began with both teams starting with some
quick and skilful play. Team Bath had taken no chances, putting out a
strong starting seven including Wales International Ursula Bowers at Goal
Defence. Together with Goal Keeper Geeva Mentor, they made formidable
circle defence, making things very difficult for Celtic Dragons Shooters.
Unfortunately, however, Celtic Dragons were without several key players
through illness and injury.
The strength of the current Super league champions was soon apparent and although Celtic Dragons made several good attacking moves they could not capitalize on them, whilst the opposition shooters – Dunn and Cookey were both shooting accurately.
At Goal Keeper for the second half, Sam Lyons made several crucial interceptions, but again Celtic Dragons could not take advantage of them at the attacking end.
The final score line showed the formidable strength of Team Bath and although Celtic Dragons are improving all the time, they were not match for this opposition.
Final Score: Team Bath – 67 : Celtic Dragons - 16
Celtic Dragons player of the match was Sam Lyons.
Celtic
Dragons Youth
vs
Team Bath Youth
Another exciting opportunity for the Celtic Dragons youth squad as they departed for the away fixture at the Netball Centre in Bath.
Team Bath had an exciting International starting line up, however, the Celtic Dragons mature thinking enabled them to lead 14-8 at the end of the first quarter. The steady heads of shooters Hannah Gover and Carly Allchurch gave the young dragons the confidence they needed to react to each opportunity.
The Celtic Dragons multiple changes at each quarter took some adjusting to, but Team Bath had to adjust to placing all their strongest players on to combat the Dragons, this allowed team bath to pull back and take the lead to 24-21 at half time.
With a brand new seven going into the third quarter, the Dragons took a while to settle, the steady head of Stephanie Williams gave the defence some confidence, however, Team Bath took every opportunity to capitalise on the Dragons’ mistakes. They took the lead at 41-27 at the ¾ interval.
The last quarter saw the dragons roar until the very end, Emma James linked the attack and defence extremely well and fought hard for all the loose balls, but Team Bath’s slick, fast passing and clinical finishing proved too tough for the young dragons taking a 55-33 victory.
Final Score: Team Bath Youth – 55 : Celtic Dragons Youth - 33
Celtic
Dragons
vs
Northern Thunder
Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool
Saturday 5 November 2005
This weekend saw the Celtic Dragons on the road again, playing their third
Netball Superleague fixture against Northern Thunder in Greenbank Sports
Academy, Liverpool.
Following their match last week against Brunel, the Celtic Dragons’ aim was to improve their defence both on the centre pass and the “through court” play, marking each pass strongly. During the quarter the Dragons were consistent in their attacking play, which resulted in their scoring 15 goals from 19.
The improvement was evident throughout the first quarter and the Dragons pulled back a four-goal deficit to close the first quarter 15 goals all.
Both teams remained unchanged going into the 2nd quarter and this proved to be beneficial for most of the quarter, as Northern Thunder made several mistakes, only allowing them to pull away to a four goal lead in the final part of the quarter.
During the half-time break, both teams made several changes, with Dragons switching their circle defence and substituting the shooter. These changes resulted in the Dragons pulling back the deficit to two goals with Nic Lewis scoring 6/6, and being superbly supported by Goal Attack Rhiannon Ace. The Northern Thunder Captain and Goal Attack – Karen Greig was consistent in her shooting enabling them to again take the lead by 8 goals.
However, at the start of the final quarter Celtic Dragons still felt that they could turn play around and take the game. Northern Thunder defended hard throughout the court which resulted in Celtic Dragons not being able to find their shooters. At the other end Northern Thunder shooters received plenty of ball which resulted in the game being pulled away by them giving them a final win of 63 goals to 41.
Final Score: – Northern Thunder 63 – Celtic Dragons 41
Emma Bliss was named as Celtic Dragons ‘player of the match’.
Celtic
Dragons Youth
vs
Northern Thunder Youth
Celtic Dragons Youth also took to the road this week to play Northern Thunder Youth.
It was a nervous start for the Celtic Dragons youth squad, for many it was a first time opportunity to play away from home in front of a crowd. With no dominant goal shooter, Kelly Morgan adapted to the role very well scoring her first goal and capitalising the for the Dragon’s to get ahead at the end of the first quarter (5-4)
With a new attacking combination of Gemma Bamford at GS and Jenna Cawthorne at GA along with Faye Bezant at WA, this allowed the team to settle when the Dragons kept their one goal lead at half time.
The superb defending skills of Sarah Pascoe and Steph Williams was not enough for the Dragons to maintain their lead in the third quarter, and the home side pulled away to a 19-15 score line at ¾ time.
A huge lift in team spirit and fresh legs in the fourth quarter allowed the young Dragons to pull back 7 goals, however, it was not enough to beat the home side whose final goal gave them the one goal edge.
Final score: Northern Thunder Youth 24 Celtic Dragons 23.
Shooting Statistics:
Jenna Cawthorne
16/24
Gemma Bamford 5/13
Kelly Morgan 2/3
Celtic
Dragons
vs
Brunel Hurricanes
Cwmbran Stadium, Cwmbran
Saturday 29 October 2005
On their home ground, the Celtic Dragons made an excellent start to the
game. They matched Brunel Hurricanes goal for goal during the first 10
minutes. The Hurricanes then started to pressurise the Dragons, resulting
in a number of errors, which the opposition were able to capitalize on,
putting them into an early lead of 15 goals to 8 at the end of the first
quarter.
During this period both Celtic Dragons shooters, Nic Lewis and Rhiannon Ace, missed only 1 goal each.
Tactical changes by the Brunel Hurricanes in the second quarter put pressure on the Dragons’ attack, resulting in them taking a lead of 24 goals to 11 at half time.
The Dragons hoped to be able to continue with the successes of the first half and several tactical changes were made to the team in an effort to try to win back some of the deficit. This was not to be and Brunel Hurricanes were again able to pressurise the Dragons into making errors enabling them to run out eventual winners 57 goals to 20.
Final Score: 20 - 57.
The Celtic Dragons were encouraged by the strong support from the spectators, right up to the final whistle. They are looking forward to the next match against Northern Thunder in Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool on Saturday 5th November.
Celtic Dragons announced Amanda Trounce as their “Player of the Match”
Also worthy of note is the announcement of two Wales players as “Player of the Match” representing other Franchises in the first two weekends of the event:
Amanda Evans for Leeds
Met vs Celtic Dragons – 22 October
Ursula (Billy) Bowers for Team Bath vs Mavericks – 29 October
Leeds
Met Carnegie
vs
Celtic Dragons
EIS, Sheffield
Saturday 22 October 2005
The two Franchises took to the court in the EIS in Sheffield for their first game of this event.
After a few nervous moments, both teams started to settle down and play with confidence.
Leeds Met took an early lead finishing the first quarter 11 – 10. The Celtic Dragons subsequently made a change in their Attack which allowed play to flow and, with the Defence of Sara Hale and Sam Lyons making interceptions, the Dragons finished at half time two goals ahead.
After the half time interval, Leeds pulled back to tie the game but some great teamwork allowed the Dragon’s shooters of Jamilla Abbott and Rhiannon Ace to pull their team into a four goal lead. Once again, the crowd was kept on their toes as Leeds Met’s Amanda Evans and Deborah Percy controlled the Attack which allowed Leeds to end the third quarter as they started it – down by just two goals.
Both teams went into the final quarter knowing the game was still anyone’s. Tensions were high for both the crowd and the teams as they battled it out “goal for goal”. Leeds Met managed to pull back the two goal difference going into the lead by just one goal, until, with just seconds to go to the final whistle Jamilla Abbott scored for the Celtic Dragons to pull the scores even.
An extremely competitive game which was played with true sportsmanship which resulted in brilliance from both teams.
Final Score: 42 – 42.