Trent stun favourites in Notts Varsity netball

The University of Nottingham were left stunned after Trent’s ladies in pink overturned a five-goal lead to secure victory on Sunday afternoon.

Uni of Nottingham hosted the match at the David Ross Sports Village. They entered the match as favourites, having beaten Trent twice before.

Speaking before the game, Trent’s keeper Freya Wood expressed how the recent success of Team England netball squad in the Commonwealth Games, which saw them win a gold medal, was instrumental to their inspiration.

“Our coach is a big believer in watch and learn, and we’re all hoping to replicate a result like that of the women in the Commonwealth Games.”

Freya Wood, goal keeper, NTU

She said: “Our coach is a big believer in watch and learn, and we’re all hoping to replicate a result like that of the women in the Commonwealth Games!”

On the other side, UoNs captain, Daisy Herd, said before the game: “I think our chances are pretty good, we’ve already beaten them twice this season.”

Both teams were ready, and began the first quarter head to head. However, it appeared Trent needed time to settle. UoN capitalised on simple errors made by the away side.

NTU’s lack of passing precision meant UoN could intercept and take the lead. The home side went into the second quarter with ten goals to Trent’s eight.

UoN dominated the start of the second quarter, stretching their lead to a five goal difference. Trent’s coach, Louise Hopkin, made three changes. The substitutions stepped into their stride and clawed back a draw. The teams were level on 18 points going into the third quarter.

Trent bounced off the energy of the away fans and took the lead in the third quarter. They applied a new pressure and chipped away at the green and gold.

However, there was no stopping UoN’s shooters, who didn’t miss a shot. As the cracks began to form, NTU went into the last quarter with 30 goals to 27.

Trent controlled the final quarter as they continued to pressure UoN off the ball. The play became scrappier as both sides upped their aggression in a bid to turnover each centre pass.

There was no getting past the formidable three-pronged Trent defence of Freya Wood as goal keeper, Susie Armstrong in goal defence and captain, Adelaide Muskwe in wing defence.

Susie’s ability to predict her opponents next move, allowed her to make split second, crucial interceptions. The home side couldn’t dent NTU’s defensive wall and failed to score. Trent were up by six goals with three minutes left.

Despite sinking a last goal, victory slipped away from the home side. Trent stunned crowds with a win of 39 goals to 34. The winning squad piled up on the court, thrilled to have beaten the varsity favourites.