'Massive step forward' for Thurso Netball Club in first league match
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Thurso Netball Club took a "massive step forward" as they put up a strong fight against Inverness Sapphires in the Highland capital.
It was the Caithness team's first match in the Highland and Moray League, having had a free week for the first round of matches.
The first quarter was fast-paced and physical with Thurso finishing just two behind. The second quarter continued in the same vein with the centre court of Emma Sutherland and Anna Swanson working hard to keep providing shooting opportunities.
The third quarter saw Thurso make some mistakes, with tiredness and lack of game experience coming into play. The Sapphires took advantage and extended their lead.
Thurso came back in the final quarter with an injection of pace in centre court from Rachel Gunn. Shooters Shona Comrie and Ariella Thomas were able to capitalise on the defensive turnovers and convert goals, with Thurso able to finish strongly with the score 29-47 to Sapphires.
Thurso coach Seonaid MacDonald said: "A special mention to Ariella Thomas and Lisa Mackay for their first-ever match for Thurso Netball Club. Anna Swanson was our player of the match with a tireless performance in the mid-court, making fantastic runs into the centre third and precision feeding into the circle.
"This first game showed a massive step forward for Thurso Netball Club with the game being so tight for so long against last year's runners-up.
"It was also the first time Thurso Netball Club had ever had a match sponsor helping towards travel, and all at the club are very grateful to Carey Henderson from The Beauty House in Castletown for her support.
"This was also the first time our players were able to wear their new strips which we were able to buy thanks to Dounreay."
Meanwhile, the Wick and Thurso senior teams played this week in a Scottish Cup qualifier. Wick came out on top with a convincing 53-23 win.
Both teams now have to play Gordonstoun and Nicolson Institute in their remaining league games.
