Synergy excel to sink rivals in top of table encounter

Netball

This week, the Canterbury and District Netball League saw the top two teams face off in the race for first place,

Synergy took on Canterbury, dominating with a penetrating attack and resilient defence to triumph 46-20.

Star Player went to Emily Clark (Canterbury) and Kat Savage (Synergy).

Synergy achieved Best Defence (Jayne Conroy) and Best Attack (Michelle Levitt).

Academy Red and J&L produced a tight match.

After a strong start from super shooter Rebecca Reynolds (Star Player, Academy Red), Academy were unlucky to be a goal behind at half-time.

Both teams took turns to control the court; the close game ended 38-36 in favour of Academy. Academy’s Milly Prestleton earned Best Defence and Katherine Turner was Best Attack.

J&L’S solid defence was aided by Star Player Amara Reif.

Other matches in Division 1 saw Pilgrims Red take down Companion Care, winning 51-32. Unicorns defeated Oasis 45-28 after being behind by five goals at halftime. Both Companion Care and Oasis earned one point for their scores.

In Division 2, Alpha controlled their match against UKC, outplaying their opponents to win 51-25.

Estelle Brandreth (Alpha) was in full flow, putting up shots galore and achieving Best Attack. Alpha’s Rachael Taylor earned Start Player for her excellent stamina and Tarn Clark was Best Defence for her talented work in the D.

Star Player for UKC went to Laura Burgess, who played well against Alpha’s tough defenders. Bluebirds were chasing top spot in the table as they faced Wahl, edging a win by 1 goal.

Sharp shooter Leanne Johnson (Bluebirds) was at her best, earning herself both Star Player and Best

Attack.

Best Defence Lucy Graham (Wahl) was agile in defence to slow the opponents’ attacks and Sue Cathcart (Wahl) got Star Player for her speed in centre court.

The final score was 34-33.

Back To’s saw off Pilgrims Open, winning 63-13.

Academy White put up a good fight against Black Jacks, but the Division 2 leaders proved too strong, winning 57-30. Academy White got one point but there were none for Pilgrims this week.