Mitres, Maple tie in Netball clash

Seconds on the clock. The time keeper gets up and moves to umpire Godfrey Harry. Supporters of both teams are on their feet. The score reads: Western Union Mitres 43, Vita Malt Maple 43. Harry blows the whistle to signal the end of the match.{{more}}

That was what transpired last Tuesday evening at the Kingstown Netball Centre as the two titans battled in what will determine the league champion of the National Netball Club Tournament.

But it was a late fourth quarter surge by Mitres that resulted the eventual score line.

Maple established a four point lead at the end of the first quarter, which finished 10-6. Maple extended their lead in the second, as that finished 24-19. The progression continued in the crucial third quarter as Maple scored ten goals to Mitres’ nine, as the combination of Debbie Jordan, Skiddy Francis-Crick, Saska Diamond, Rose Clair Hall, Thelma Foster, Elizabeth Caruth-Matthews and Vasha Adams had it all their way.

Diamond, the centre court dynamo, was in full flight and mesmerized who chose to keep her in stride.

But, Mitres came into their own as the Maple team started tiring, and the score then became 41-40, with Maple holding on for their life and their title.

Then, what the supporters from both team never envisaged, the match ended in a rare tie.

Seasoned Goal Shooter Francis-Crick scored 42 from her 53 attempts, while her Goal Attack, Foster had a one hundred percent scoring rate, as she scored her lone attempt.

For Mitres, Halimah De Shong playing in the Goal Shooter position was the most accurate shooter on the evening with 30 from 38 attempts and Goal Attack Nicole Sandy, 13 from 22.

With the First Division, the title of league champion will depend on the results of the matches.

Maple won the league title in 2007, while Mitres championed the Knock Out. (RT)