Paulton’s Vipers played at home with a full netball squad of eight this week, taking on fifth in the league, Tone. Knowing they needed as many points as possible, Vipers came out fighting from the first whistle.
Both teams took several minutes to settle into the game, with the ball being turned over at either end with no goals scored. Becky and Laura, putting great pressure on the Tone shooters, rebounding well, gave Vipers possession, enabling them to score the first goal of the match. With a new found confidence, Vipers gained the upper hand and led the first quarter, 11–6.
During the second quarter, Vipers maintained pressure, Zoe at WD forcing Tone to make errors in the centre court. This gave Helen the opportunity to show her skill of movement and accuracy in shooting from the attacking circle, putting up some fantastic shots, as well as her shooting partner, Vanessa. Every player showed passion and commitment to the game. Half-time score was 24–16.
With a rotation in defence, Andrea came on with fresh legs to keep the GA out, forcing Tone to have only one option in the circle. With the rain falling, the game became a little messy for both teams, with a large footwork count across the court. Vipers held the lead 34–28.
Going into the last quarter, the whole team were pumped and not ready to let the game slip away from them with a much-needed five points within their grasp, with the supporters on the sidelines encouraging them loudly.
Vipers believed they could win and continued to dominate the court. Hayley made some crucial interceptions in centre court, taking some big knocks from a frustrated Tone defence. Vipers kept their heads and played safe, passing the ball back for resets to maintain possession in this epic battle. All players showed great passion and commitment until the final whistle. Vipers were the victors, 42–38.