County Cup Final 1 of 4 - A Good start...

Netball County Cup Final v Hurstpierpoint Wed 14 March 3.30 k/o

A coach took the netball squad, together with supporters from the Rugby Academy and the remaining Netball Academy members to Burgess Hill for an eagerly awaited final againstg Hurstpierpoint.

Following success at the Sussex round of National Schools, Worthing were the favourites however a cup final is a completely different game as those of us who have been around a while know. Worthing started slowly missing the first three shots with Hurst scoring theirs to take an early 3-0 lead. Worthing struggled to find form throughout the court, nerves getting the better of them against a much improved Hurst team. Defensively, as the quarter went on, we improved and with more opportunities to score, the first quarter ended 7-8 down.

The girls were told to calm down, believe in themselves, work harder at hunting the ball down and things would improve.
Unfortunately they didn’t !. Shots were still being missed and the centre court were struggling to feed the circle. Worthing were 4 a drift at half time.

Half time was the time to change things, Emily Begley on at Goal Shooter and Mele Stubbs on at Goal Defence with Mele Jackson moving back to GK. Emily shot brilliantly under pressure and we gradually pulled the defecit back to one goal. Mele J had to deal with some very unpleasant parents from Hurst which needed Brdges and Hall to go and stand behind her goal for support. A role Ben took over for the final quarter.

Fourth quarter still a goal down, further changes made as Anna was exhausted after she had tracked up and down court tirelessly due to the nature of the game. Sarah Uncles to Centre, Vicky Bowles to WD and Katy Finlay to WA. Worthing remained a goal down and with two mins to play Hurst decided to play possession netball – an extremely dangerous tactic as I know from experience. With 30 seconds remaining Worthing Stole possession and Emily Begley scored. Worthings support went wild.
In netball it goes to 2 mins each way extra time then golden goal.

Worthing took the centre and Emily scored, Hurst equalised, Worthing scored again and managed to keep Hurst at bay till 2 mins had passed. 2.-1 Worthing, first time all afternoon Worthing had been in front. Our centre pass and Katie Pearcy scored to give us a 3-1 lead. Hurst battled but a missed shot was rebounded by Mele Jackson, played safely down court for Emily to score 4-1 with 49 seconds to play – first time I relaxed all afternoon.

A brilliant fight back to prove a game is never lost till the final whistle goes.

Girls you have been a pleasure to coach this season and deserve to win the cup.

Supporters – you were brilliant.

Tina