URN

Varsity Super Wednesday kicked off with Netball at the Sports Centre on University Park campus, with a crowd of over 100 people there to enjoy the spectacle. Before the game, Nottingham University led the series 6-2 and what followed was a fantastic, very tense game which saw Nottingham Uni triumph 54-34. This Uni victory put them within just 1 point of overall Varsity victory at 7-2 and gave them a chance to retain the trophy with a win in the Lacrosse later the same day.

The 1st quarter was a edgy affair with both teams trying to work out and counter the other’s game tactics. Trent scored first in the opening minute but their lead didn’t last for long. Nottingham Uni’s goal shooter Rochelle Powell, who’s all of 6ft 4in tall, equalising and it was clear to see from the outset that Uni’s tactic revolved around get the ball as quickly as they could to Powell who towered over Trent’s goal keeper. The rest of the quarter saw Powell score 11 of Uni’s 13 baskets with Rule gaining the other 2 baskets. Trent, despite being very wasteful in possession at times and struggling to mark Powell, remained in the game at the end of the 1st quarter with the score 13-10 in the hosts' favour.

Event: Women’s Netball Varsity
Location: Sport Centre, University of Nottingham
Date: 20th March
Start Time: 2.30pm

Varsity “Super Wednesday” is almost upon us and although it has been reduced to just 2 events, it could be a pivotal day in deciding the destination of the Varsity trophy. The women’s netball team will try and help secure the Varsity series for Nottingham University, who only require 2 more points to seal victory. With a win here and at Lacrosse later the same day Uni will attain an unassailable lead and retain the Varsity trophy for the first time in the competition's history.

Trent will be keen to gain revenge over their cross-city counterparts however, following a hotly-contested 46-38 victory for Uni in the 2012 Varsity series which helped Uni on their way to a 9-6 overall victory and allowed them to reclaim the trophy that had sat in Trent's trophy cabinet for the previous two years.

Following the narrow Uni loss in the Women’s basketball match, tension was high in the University Park Sports Hall as the netball girls stepped up to try and win back a much needed point in this year’s Varsity Series. Uni started off the game with an efficient centre pass, but immediately lost possession as Trent went on to secure the first point of the match, setting the pace of the first quarter. Uni brought it back and managed to equalise from the edge of the circle. Both teams managed to exchange another two goals, the Uni shooters favoured slightly by the Trent GK getting repeatedly called up for distance. At this stage both teams were exhibiting a strong centre, with very good passing from the wings. Whilst Uni had a few fateful goal attempts they were holding up well against strong pressure from the Trent defence; as their shooters also appeared to find a rhythm, swift passing lead to three effortless goals.

If you have never watched Netball before do not fear as URN are here to help, so before you head down to the Sport Centre, swat up on your netball knowledge!

The Nottingham Trent netball team currently have three consecutive Varsity wins under their belt, beating the Uni team 36- 26 in last year’s game. Well deserved winners in 2010, there is no doubt that the Trent girls will be hoping for more of the same and another victory, yet Uni present a strong and experienced team to the opposition. As this year’s hosts and one of the biggest and most successful AU Clubs, many of the Uni players have Varsity experience and are undoubtedly looking to settle some scores from last year.

With the Varsity Series score currently 3-1 in Trent’s favour, here’s hoping the netball girls can win one back for Uni and break their current pattern of defeat.

To keep up to date with the match via our exclusive text updates, log on to www.urn1350.net and click on Varsity.