Netball at the University of Exeter has a nationally recognised reputation for excellence, and holds British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier League status.
Netball Club Play Spotlight Fixture Against Cardiff Met
Wednesday 25th November saw Exeter University Netball Club (EUNC) 1st team play Cardiff Metropolitan University 1st team in a Premier South League match. Held in Exeter College’s new sports hall, the match brought in approximately 250 spectators who were treated to an exciting and close-fought game. Following the popularity of the match and the fantastic atmosphere, EUNC are keen to make this Spotlight fixture a key annual event in the sporting calendar for players and spectators alike.
Exeter got off to a great start, finishing the first quarter with 11 points to Cardiff’s 9. Scholars Ellie Gibbons (Goal Shooter) and Kate McGinley (Goal Attack) were on target as ever, shooting smoothly and reliably to take an early lead. The second quarter was closely fought with Cardiff battling for parity, but Exeter managed to stay ahead. Scholar and EUNC Captain Lydia Regis (Goal Defence), alongside Holly Wilson (Goal Keeper), fought hard to keep Cardiff back, and at half time the teams drew at 20 points each.
An exciting third quarter saw the teams alternately taking the lead, inching ahead of each other by one point at a time, and by the end of the quarter Cardiff were ahead by three points (33-36). Throughout the final quarter, Exeter fought hard to regain the lead but couldn’t quite catch up, resulting in a final score of 52-45 to Cardiff.
Coach Charlie Hale commented, “Having won last year’s Premier South League, Cardiff Met were worthy opponents and great sportswomen, and although Exeter didn’t get the result they might have liked, both teams played to an extremely high standard. The girls have worked really hard in training and I was pleased with their performance today.”
At the time of writing, Exeter are in 5th place, and having finished in 5th place in the Premier South League 2014-15, this is a promising result. Earlier this month, Exeter 1st team faced off with Bath – an important match considering the historic sporting rivalry between the two Universities – and EUNC pushed hard for a 56-54 result in their favour.
As one of the University’s nine focus sports, netball at Exeter has a nationally recognised reputation for excellence and holds British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier League status. The University of Exeter Sports Scholarship Scheme is one of the most prestigious in the UK, helping the best student athletes reach their full potential. The scheme provides a comprehensive support package and is tailored to suit the needs of each individual athlete. Many of our graduating scholars have progressed to a professional level in their chosen sport and represented their respective countries on the global stage.
The University of Exeter has been awarded The Times / The Sunday Times Good Universities Guide 2016 Sports University of the Year, following significant investment and development over the past 10 years. The University has also achieved a Global 100 ranking in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The prestigious rankings, which mean Exeter retains its position as best in the South West, take into account a wide range of factors, including student satisfaction and research excellence.
Date: 30 November 2015
