Isle of Man Netball junior league reports from Sunday, November 8:

Suntera Global Ballasalla 1 - 28, Simcocks Crown Eagles 16

A new-look Simcocks team took to the court with some young faces eager to get some court time.

In defence, both Poppy Irving and Abi Shaw worked hard to apply pressure in the Ballasalla circle and forced some good rebounds, but the Balla shooting duo of Sophie Radcliffe (GS) and Freya Jones (GA) were in fine form and converted with ease.

In the opposite circle, some excellent play by the impressive Mia Pearson (GS) - playing her first u17 fixture for Simcocks - found the confidence to feed some lovely balls into the attacking end to convert by Lucie Sutterby (GA, supported around the circle edge by Eden Cannell (WA) and Emilia Steriopolous (C).

The Simcocks team were positive throughout, never giving up and growing with confidence as the game progressed. It was lovely to see some younger players earn some game time, with Izzy Coole playing her first u17 game coming on at (WD).

Ballasalla were able to dominate play throughout all areas of the court, with Kayleigh Denton (C) and Maisie Halsall (WA) linking well. Their shooters continued to sink their impressive long-range shots, with good support from Jemma Richardson (GA).

Although Simcocks weren’t the most consistent, they produced some great passages of play with Abi Shaw (GK) showing great spatial awareness and defensive skills using her body to block any attacking movement from Sophie Radcliffe (GS).

As such, she managed to gain a few intercepts in the circle and linked up well with Poppy Irving, calmly bringing the ball down court.

In the final quarter, some positional changes allowed the latter to move to her usual shooting position and provided some good vision up the court, creating some space and combining well with Lucie Sutterby (GA) to produce some good chances.

Although energy levels began to drop and Simcocks lost their focus towards the end, it was still a fantastic team effort.

At the end of a great game to watch, the final score was 28-16 to Suntera Global Ballasalla 1. Players of the match were Sophie Radcliffe for Ballasalla 1 and Lucie Sutherby for Eagles.

Under-14s

Division One

Thompson Tigers 2,

Castletown Stars 30

The Castletown girls impressed from their arrival, performing a dynamic and energised warm-up.

Thompson had 11 players all wanting and deserving equal court time, which caused a problem for their coach in trying to balance the best combinations.

It became clear in the first quarter that Castletown were the dominant side as they led by 10 goals to one.

Town’s passing was slick and strong, while their defensive play allowed them to corral the Thompson players when the ball was in their possession, preventing them finding space to receive a clean pass.

Both teams played their hearts out, with neither team giving up. Castletown deserved to win and both sides warranted congratulations on their sportsmanship.

Player of the match for Castletown was Summer Sadler, while Leah Prentice took the plaudits for Thompson Tigers.

Division Two

Manx Gems Crystals 10, Castletown Rockets 24

With Gems fourth and Castletown fifth in the league table, this game was expected to be tight and well-fought by both teams.

Gems started with a strong defence which meant Town struggled to gain their first goal, but a tight first quarter ended 6-3 to Castletown.

The second period was a near repeat of the first, but the southerners struggled at times to get the ball into the circle against a well-drilled Gems team. With the score being 11-5 at half-time, the lead for Castletown was only slim and there was still everything to play for.

The start of the third quarter saw quick goals from both teams before the Rockets started to confidently increase their lead with two excellent long shots.

Although the Gems defence remained firm, their opponents made use of the full court with some excellent passages of play.

Castletown started the final quarter strongly across the whole team and, as the game entered the last few minutes, Town GA, Callie Cubbon scored an excellent long-range shot which surprised everyone including herself - not a bad birthday present!

The final score of 24-10 was well deserved by Castletown but Gems should be pleased with their excellent defence throughout the whole match. It was a great game to watch, competitive but always friendly and a great attitude from all players.

Player of the match was Eleanor Wheeler for Castletown Rockets and Farrah Iqbal for Manx Gems Crystals.

Division Three

Manx Gems Opals 1,

Ramsey Reds 23

After a long wait the Ramsey Reds girls were eager to take to the court for the first time this season, even though a few were a little nervous as it was their league debut for the club.

In the first quarter both teams had periods of good play in the centre third, with Ramsey players Alice Crellin (GA), Aiobh Nash (GS) and Imogen Duncan (WA) linking well with Neve Madden (C) to move the ball down court.

Despite some great interceptions by Gems’ defensive duo Graighah Morgan (GD) and Abbie Mills (GK), the quarter ended 8-0 to the Reds.

In the second period, the northerners brought on Holly O’Donnell at WA and they continued to play strongly in all areas of the court.

Gems shooters Faye Leece (GA) and Sophie Corlett (GS) struggled under close marking from Reds defenders Ellie Jane Crellin (GD) and Hollie Thompson (GK) as Ramsey’s lead increased to 21-0 by the end of the second quarter.

At half-time the northerners made several changes, moving Abbie Pattison to GS and bringing on Laila Champion (WA) in her first league match, both finding lots of space to work in.

Play was end-to-end, with Gems’ Zoe Bridson (C), Lilly Sutton (WD) and Jess Schreuder (GD) intercepting a number of Ramsey passes.

The final score was 23-1 to Ramsey Reds after what was a good game to watch, with both teams enjoying their netball. The teams would like to thank umpires Poppy Irving and Ashleigh Baines.

Players of the match were Abbie Mills for Manx Gems Opals and Alice Crellin for Ramsey Reds.