Ipswich win last home netball game

IPSWICH Ladies defeated Norfolk United 52-40 in the last home game of Ipswich's season at Northgate Sports Centre on Sunday.

Last time the two teams met Ipswich won the match by seven goals, so they knew it would be a tough game.

Norfolk United were quicker to respond from the starting whistle than Ipswich incepting the very first centre pass, and converting to take an early lead. Ipswich responded but not well enough as Norfolk United pulled away and ended the quarter 15-11 up.

At quarter time Ipswich regrouped and went on to the court in a determined mood.

This paid off and with better communication throughout the court Ipswich turned the goal deficit in to a lead with some excellent work in the attacking third; with Avril Gray and Jane Fison playing the ball around before picking out Lisa Rice or Carly Wicks, who both shot well throughout the whole game. At half-time Ipswich had a slender lead of 26-25.

In the second half Dawn Blake was introduced at WD for Stacey Everett. The match continued at a good pace and with the fantastic support from the spectators, Ipswich began to pull away from Norfolk. However, the visitors were not finished and did not allow Ipswich to stretch the lead too far. The quarter ended with Ipswich 38-34 to the good.

In the last quarter Ipswich pulled out all the stops and some excellent work from every Ipswich player prevented Norfolk United from getting back in to the game and forced several turnovers, which Ipswich converted.

Squad: Lisa Rice, Carly Wicks, Jane Fison, Avril Gray, Stacey Everett, Hannah Martindill, Clair Martin, Dawn Blake

This win means that Ipswich Ladies are guaranteed second position in Regional League Division One. Congratulations to everyone involved. Also congratulations to Avril Gray who was named Player of the Season at the Ipswich Ladies AGM on Thursday, March 28.