Hurricanes blow hot

Brunel Hurricanes saw off Glasgow Wildcats 49-29 in the first encounter between the two teams in the Co-operative Netball Superleague

Scots still searching for first win

Brunel Hurricanes saw off Glasgow Wildcats 49-29 in the first ever encounter between the two teams in the Co-operative Netball Superleague. It was a game of two halves as Brunel took the opportunity to experiment with different combinations in the first half, using a variety of players in different positions, before pulling away in the later stages. Australian Pollini Langi also made her Co-operative Superleague debut, starting the match at Goal Keeper. There were only two goals between the teams at the first break, as Glasgow led 10-8, but Wildcats were able to build a lead into half time 24-16. But despite the deficit, Brunel Head Coach Natalie Swift made some changes that quickly paid dividends. Tett returned to the court at Goal Attack and Vicklyn Jospeh at shooter, whilst in defence Langi and Mkoloma swapped roles. The second half saw Hurricanes step up a gear and show their class, with Vicklyn Jospeh having an awesome two quarters, netting 22 goals from 25 attempts.

Gritty display

It was a gritty display and once Brunel found their stride Wildcats could only manage to score five goals in the second half. Commenting on the match, Brunel Hurricanes coach Swift said: "We took the opportunity to use a number of players and experiment with combinations and the third and fourth quarter statistics speak for themselves. "Donna Fearon-Ciugureanu played very well and Vicklyn Jospeh was outstanding, making a huge impact on the game with her 88% shooting statistic." Hurricanes captain Becky Nash added; "It took us a while to settle and find our rhythm but when we did it was great and the second half performance was much slicker with another great team performance. "The fact that we managed to keep Wildcats to only five goals in the second half was pleasing and we are now looking forward to an encounter with Team Northumbria". Glasgow Wildcats, despite the loss had a positive outlook post-match. Coach Denise Holland said "There was clear evidence of putting into practice what we have been working on all week. Taking better care of the ball, creating good angles and defense, confusing (the opposition) space." "We pressured Brunel to many errors containing them to fewer than 50 goals.' Glasgow Wildcats: GS Lesley McDonald (Captain), GA Nicola Collins, WA Gail Higgins, C Fiona Moore, WD Claire Brownie, GD Claire Cooper, GK Hayley Mullheron.
Subs: Sharyn Lyon. Rachel Holmes, Jenna Storie, Rhona Watson, June McNeill. Brunel Hurricanes: GS Elizabeth Searle,GA Lindsay Press, WA Asha Tett, C Holly Nichols, WD Becky Nash (Captain), GD Sonia Mkoloma, GK Pollini Langi.
Subs: Vicklyn Jospeh, Kate Ricks, Bianca Robinson, Donna Fearon-Ciugureanu, Becky Gibson. Umpires: Debbie Morgan, Janice Treasurer Q1: 10-8
Q2: 24-16
Q3: 26-33
Q4: 29-49