Match Report: Sunderland Netball W2 17-30 Cumbria W1

Team Sunderland’s Netball 2nds fell to a 17-30 defeat to Cumbria’s 1sts in the opening round of the Northern Conference Trophy at CitySpace on Wednesday.

It was a first meeting between the two sides, with the hosts struggling in the first quarter, as Cumbria raced into an early 3-9 lead.

Sunderland kept pushing and probing, and there was a much more positive performance in the second quarter. However, Cumbria lengthened their lead over the hosts to 6-16.

Despite being behind, the hosts looked a lot more confident in the third quarter, and kept pushing more and more towards their attacking third.

The team utilised each others’ strengths and great teamwork, especially in the centre third, helped the girls get closer and closer towards reducing the deficit.

Sunderland continued to push, but unfortunately missed some key opportunities in the third quarter to level the tie.

However, despite an almost incredible comeback from the girls, the game ended 17-30 – knocking Sunderland’s 2nds out of the Northern Conference Trophy.

Jess Ridley, who played in Centre throughout the game, was named Player of the Match for Sunderland – controlling the centre third brilliantly and creating chances with her passes.