Team Sunderland Netball 2nds secure Wear-Tees win upon return to BUCS
Team Sunderland 2nds 28 – 23 Teesside University 2nds
Team Sunderland Netball 2nds made their return after the BUCS winter break a winning one after a confident team display against Teesside University 2nds.
A slow-scoring first-quarter saw Teesside take a two-goal lead with three minutes played, a lead they would hold until three minutes before the break when Sunderland were at the double to level the game – but this kicked the game into life as Teesside reinstated their two-goal lead before the buzzer.
The home side came out a different team in the second quarter, and within the opening five minutes had seen the game draw level at 6-6. The game now ebbing and flowing with both sides responding to each other, a change that moved Victory Maduekwe to goal shooter saw Sunderland take a narrow 12-11 lead into half-time.
They continued on the front foot in the third quarter, playing their best netball of the match. Starting the quarter scoring three before Teesside managed a reply, Sunderland then netted another four on the trot to extend their lead to a healthy seven.
Though a team performance throughout the quarter, Maduekwe continued to assert herself by grabbing a handful of offensive rebounds – and adding another seven to her goal count, helping Sunderland to a 23-15 scoreline entering the final 15.
A down but far from out Teesside came out of the break looking sharp, and halved Sunderland’s seemingly healthy lead to four with 12:00 still on the clock. The hosts’ nerve held strong though, helped by Maduekwe adding another four to take her tally to 16 for the afternoon, ensuring their lead would never slip lower than that as they held firm for the win.
