Determined wins for Cowie Ladies

Perseverance payed off for Cowie as both their Black and Red teams notch up well deserved wins in their respective matches against Aberdeen University 3 and Ellon 2.

 In ADNA Division 2 Cowie Blacks latest victory made up for their defeat the previous week by Newtonhill,  a game characterised by frantic risky play that gifted the ball to an opposition that took advantage every time and who were able to finish off with flawless shooting.  Frantic play again featured in their match with Aberdeen University 3, however on this occasion the Blacks were able to counteract this with some solid controlled defending, and attacking play throughout the court.  In the first quarter the Black’s were able to pull back Uni 3’s early lead to finish the quarter one goal ahead 8-7.

 Cowie scored from the first centre of the second quarter and continued to add to their tally despite the tendency to gather at one side of the court.  The defence began to read Uni 3’s play and were able to close down their opportunities; however Goal Defence Lorna Graham wasted a beautiful interception with an ill judged pass that went nowhere near the hands of Wing Attack Vicki Corbett.  Thanks to the hard work of the Centre and WA, who had to jostle for position on the circle, the Blacks were still in the lead at half time 19-15.

 A change at Centre introduced a tougher Black defence for the centre passes, which minimised the options for Uni 3.  They used some lovely set moves to work the ball into the circle where the GA and GS worked hard for their space, and with the help of some accurate passing from the WA the shooters were more chances, which they gladly took extending the Black’s lead to 30-22 as the third quarter closed.

The Blacks further strengthened their defence with the introduction of Pam McFadden as Wing Defence, and she and the GD worked together to block Uni 3’s GA out of their circle.  At the other end Uni 3 did their best to foil the Black’s attack by reaching and fighting for every ball that passed in and out of the circle.  With the strength of both defences evident this was the lowest scoring quarter and the Blacks finished victors with a final score of 38-26.  Vicki Corbett’s continued hard work and assured presence once again earned her the award of Cowie player of the match.

Cowie Blacks: Buckley, Corbett, Craig, Elrick, Fry, Graham, McFadden, Morgan (Captain), Thomson.

In Division 3, Cowie Reds played a controlled game to overcome their opponents Ellon 2.  After losing the toss the first centre went to Ellon 2 but the Reds took stock and concentrated on what needed to be done. The defence worked well together to prevent Ellon’s shooters access to the circle and the team focussed on their spacing, which allowed the time to work the ball up and into the circle.  Shooters Kisty Forbes and Fiona Lamont worked together to move the ball round the circle but their efforts were not always rewarded with goals as they missed the net and advantage passed to Ellon as the ball went off the back line. Despite these setbacks the Reds led 6-4 as the quarter closed.

 The Red’s defence worked well again in the second quarter.  Kirsty Jack, playing GK rather than her usual GS, gathered up a number of rebounds and made successful interceptions.  Unfortunately at the other end the goals just didn’t seem to go in and the quarter ended still very close at 8-6 to Cowie Reds.

 Despite a number of position changes at half time the Reds were able to maintain their form and focussed on the basics of good spacing and strong passes to great success.  Ellon’s loopy passes were easily intercepted, increasing the Red’s confidence and they were able to notch up the goals to finish the quarter 16-9 ahead.

 The Reds continued to intercept Ellon’s passes in the last quarter and were rewarded with goals after excellent circle work from Jack, back in at GS, and Lamont at GA.  At times the centre third felt crowded for the Reds but they kept possession and worked well together to end a clean game the deserved winners with a final score of 23-13.

A beaming Marilena Hossainpour was delighted to be honoured with Cowie Red’s player of the match.

Cowie Reds: Cubbage, Forbes, Harris, Hossainpur (Captain), Lamont, Munn, Williams.