The Evening Post's report on Saturday's game

BOTH Bristol Banners and Bristol & West and were anxious for a win to bolster their promotion chances from Division IX.

But Bristol Banners came out on top and increased their chances of taking the division title.

1. ​
   Bristol Banners attackers, in lilac, compete against the Bristol & West goal defence during the Division XI encounter at the weekend

Both teams were determined to stamp their authority on the game and each quickly scored a goal.

Bristol Banners brought the ball down the court with speed, but the close marking of Bristol & West defence caused them to falter.

Due to Bristol Banners tight all-court marking Bristol & West had trouble building any fluid attack. The shooters were unable to attain advantageous positions for scoring.

With Bristol Banners goalkeeper Lizza Mitchell and Bristol & West goal defence Celia Beale making many spectacular interceptions, the ball sped from one end of the court to the other. In the final few minutes of the quarter, Bristol Banners goals began to drop and they went into the break leading by 8-3.

Bristol & West came out strongly, and with some sharp netball, quickly reduced the lead by scoring three quick goals. Then Bristol Banners tightened up their game and with fast accurate passes, good positioning and consistent shooting they managed to slowly increase their lead.

This unsettled Bristol & West and though the defence worked tirelessly they were unable to retain possession in the centre court with passes going astray or being intercepted. At half time Bristol Banners had stretched their advantage to a significant 17-8 lead. Bristol Banners continued where they left off passing the ball around with speed and precision and scoring freely. Realising that they had nothing to lose, Bristol & West became more focused and started chasing every ball.

With crisper passing, especially around the attacking circle, and more consistent shooting they slowly began to claw their way back into the game. At the end of the third quarter Bristol Banners were leading 21-16.

In the final quarter, Bristol & West put up a good challenge, but nerves got to them and play became erratic. Bristol Banners solid play kept saw them slowly pull even further ahead. Though Bristol & West rallied in the final few minutes they were unable to make a significant impact.

Bristol Banners v Bristol and West 24 March 2012

Score 32 - 21

GK Lizza, GD Deb, WD Emma, C Sally T, WA Maria, GA Sally H, GS Laura, Sub Jo

Today’s match was going to be a challenge. However we were all positive and up for it and after Laura’s training on Thursday, we were confident in our play.

The scores were:

1st quarter – 8-3 Banners lead

2^nd quarter – 17-8 Banners lead

3^rd quarter – 21 -16 Banners lead

4^th quarter – 32-21 Banners won...........

Hooray!!!!

It was a good game by both teams and we really had to play well to get a win today. B & W were a very competitive team and certainly gave us a run for our money. That said, we had some very good moments of play and were more vocal and encouraging to each other.

Well played everyone – it was a great team effort. Thanks to Jo who was not feeling 100% after scoring for the match before but hung on to see if Emma was ok after her flying leap on court which resulted in her landing on the floor.

Also a special thanks to Laura for coming back to play from a ‘hen weekend’ and to Emma for collecting /delivering her to the station. Laura was voted players player so it was meant to be that you were there Laura.

Bristol Banners v Jets 4 March

Score 40 - 18

GK Lizza, GD Deb, WD Julie/Jo, C Sally T, WA Maria, GA Sally H, GS Laura

Previous score 18 - 11

A very positive banners team arrived extra early at the grange today to warm up. We were determined that today was going to be a win after losing last week.

The first quarter was quite comfortable as we worked out our individual partners style of play – we were leading 11 -5. We managed to increase our lead in the second quarter to 18 – 9 and after a team talk decided to mark our players face on whenever they had possession of the ball.  This defensive attitude worked well and we led the third quarter by 29 – 14. We all felt that we were playing much better and using all of the court during play. At the end of the match it was a great result 40 -18.

Well done everyone, it was a fab win and with some great play in the centre but especially strong in both circles. We nominated their centre for our  players player and very fittingly they awarded Sally T their player.  Well done Sally for being fit enough to run up and down so well.

Bristol Banners v Culverhay Cougars 25 February 2012

GK Lizza, GD Deb, WD Jo/Emma, C Sally T, WA Maria, GA Sally H, GS Laura

Final Score 22 - 35

We knew that today was going to be a hard game against Culverhay. We hadn’t played them before but knew they had won all of their games since replacing TJ’s part way through the season.

Unfortunately, Lizza took a tumble during the warm up and hurt her ankle so it wasn’t a good omen!!

After the first quarter, the score was even at 7-7.  We don’t always play our best at the start of matches, so we just assumed we would pick up during the next quarter. This didn’t happen and at half time, we were trailing 18-13.  Cougars were playing a fast game and their marking was very tight.  We did have a moan in our huddle that they were marking from behind on occasions and the contact was not being picked up by the umpires.  We were also aware that we were not coming forward enough and this gave cougars time to intercept our long or overhead balls. At the end of the third quarter, we were way behind 28-18. It didn’t feel good and I think we struggled to get our heads round this. Lizza had to come off during the last quarter as her ankle was swelling up and starting to be too painful to continue. With a few swaps, Jo took her position and did well at such short notice. The final score was 35-22 to Cougars.

We were very deflated afterwards, after all, we have won all 10 of our previous games and forgotten what it felt like to lose.

We gave players player to their GD who was very good and made it quite difficult in the circle for Laura and Sally. Well done to Maria who was given players player from Cougars.

The Warmley Wildcats!

Can you spot Sally H, Sally T and Cath?

A blast from the past!

Warmley Netball Club

by Susie Rushby  For Warmley Netball Club Warmley Netball Club was formed in 1998 by a group of young mums whose children attended a local primary school, competed in a friendly parents v teachers match. Warmley play in Division Nine. This resulted in local women meeting on a Thursday evening to enjoy a game of netball, to socialise and keep fit. After 18 months of training, through the heat of the summer and the cold, wet winter nights, we were invited to join the Avon Netball League. The team started in Division 10 and this year we have been promoted to Division Nine. We were fortunate enough to have been sponsored last year by PJ Engineering and this season by Bristol Banners, many thanks for their contribution. Playing netball is a brilliant way to keep fit and to learn to work as part of a team. Even the children enjoy a game with us now - who knows, they may be our B team one day!

The New Kit 2009

Bristol Banners v Mangotsfield 5 February 2012

GK Deb, GD Julie, WD Jo, C Sally T, WA Maria, GA Sally H, GS Laura

Final Score 44 - 26

It was freezing today and everyone of us had several layers on and didn’t rush to peel any off. We all arrived in plenty of time for a good warm up and felt very confident that we were going to win.

The first quarter started well with a 11-6 lead.  It started snowing and we were conscious that the game could be called off at any time if we started sliding or slipping about. The second quarter was much the same and we finished at half time leading 19-12.  We realised that we were not very fired up on the court and this could have been because we all felt deep down we were winning and didn’t look as though this would change.  We made a decision to start encouraging each other and being more narrative on the court. At the end of the third quarter we had extended our lead to 35-20 which was much better. Mangotsfield made a few changes to their positions in the final quarter but it didn’t make too much of a difference to the game and we eventually won 44-26. It was a good friendly game and although we were pulled up for a few faults, we won every tossup - which we practiced at training. Maybe we should have 5 mins each Thursday  spent doing these?

I think everyone felt as though they had played quite well and it was good to see Deb facing her nemesis in the goal third and managing to keep her cool –well done Deb.

I got players player this week (I think it was because I was coughing/spluttering and they stayed away from me which meant I looked as though I was always free!!).

Sympathies to Laura who had to score the match after us and was looking like an Eskimo in the snow. The match did start but was called off halfway through the third quarter so she got freezing cold for nothing.

Bristol Banners v Natwest 28 January 2012

GS Laura, GA Sally H, WA Maria, C Sally T, WD Jo, GD Deb, GK Lizza, Sub Emma

Final Score 37 - 27

Our match against Natwest was our first one since the middle of December and although we had beat Natwest previously, I think we were all feeling a little rusty and anxious.

Emily had taken our training session on Thursday, so we were a little bit more ‘on the ball’. However, we were all determined to keep our winning streak going.

It was great having a squad of 8 as this really took the pressure off of some of the team who weren’t all feeling 100%. Sally H was suffering with a cold and Deb was recovering from a popped cartilage. Not having to worry if someone takes a tumble or has an injury during the match was also a huge relief as we knew a sub was ready to come on at any point.

We had a good start with us leading after the first quarter 12-2. However Natwest made a few changes and at halftime although we were still leading, they had shortened the gap to 20-16. We did a little reshuffle ourselves and Emma came on as WD and Jo took over Debs GK/GD position. After the third quarter, we were leading 32-23 and at the final whistle we won 37-27.

The match included quite a lot of toss ups which I think is a good sign that we are really going for every ball, loose or otherwise. Another good point was that there were hardly any footwork faults. It felt as though we were able to play our own game quite a lot during the match and so we need to keep working on this in order to win the rest of our games. 

Well done everyone for a terrific win and especially to Sally T who was nominated players player.

Bristol Banners v Doves 10 December 2011

GS Laura, GA Sally H, WA Maria, C Sally T, WD Jo, GD Julie, GK Lizza

Final Score 63 - 5

Brr, brr a bit of chilly day today and a few hangovers as well.  

We had a great game against Doves. Even though we anticipated we would (or should)probably win, we were not at all complacent.  

It was one of the only games we have played this season that we have been able to play our own game and use some of our moves that we practise in training.

Everyone played a great game and it was brilliant to have such a good result as we had our sponsor, Bristol Banners front man Paul Tyler supporting us. (even better when he very generously gave us a bottle of wine each).  Thanks again for that Paul!

The score was:

1^st quarter           18-1

2^nd quarter          36-2

3^rd quarter          47-2

4^th quarter           63-5

Well done everyone and well done again to Sally H who was voted players player.

Bristol Banners v Ashton 3 December 2011

GK Lizza, GD Deb, WD Emma/Julie, C Sally T, WA Maria, GA Sally H, GS Laura

Final Score 28 - 15

With half the team on pain killers due to bad backs, headache and hangover and Lizza’s massive bruise on her inside leg, we were a sorry bunch at the start of the match.  Our first quarter was not our best and we were losing 6-5.  This happens all of the time so I think we need to sharpen up our warm ups and try and change this pattern in the new year. The second quarter was better and at half time, they had only managed to score one more goal which put us in the lead 13-7. We continued our good streak and the third quarter showed a bigger gap 21-10.  We eventually finished winning 28-15.  A good win, but not one of our better matches I don’t think. We were approached by the Doves team after, who congratulated us on doing so well this season and it felt great to know we have only one match to play before Christmas to stay at the top of the division.  We may have to  work a bit harder next year in order to stay there as we have had a few close matches and I’m sure some teams will be out for blood..........

Well done everyone and again ‘Well Done’ Sally H for getting players player.

Bristol Banners v Skylarks 26 November 2011

GK Deb, GD Lizza, WD Jo, C Sally T, WA Anna, GA Sally H, GS Maria

Final Score 20 -19 

WHAT A GAME!!!!!

We knew we were going to have to pull out all of the stops today as Skylarks have won all of their games so far and Sally T watched them play previously and said how good they were.  The first quarter was a bit sad for us and we trailed 7-2. Lizza and Deb did some tactical swapping due to the GS being roughly the same height as Lizza.  It worked very well and by half time we had pulled back and were losing by just 4. 13-9.  The skylarks defenders were very very tight and my shooting was also not the best which made it even more difficult to pull back.  However, by the third quarter we were just 2 behind, 17-15.  We knew we could win if we really slowed our game down and gave a massive final effort in the final quarter. Nobody wanted to check on the scores until the final whistle when they announced Banners win 20-19.  We beat them by one goal!!!!!!!!!!!  Fantastic result.  It was a great match and great effort by everyone. 

10/10 to Deb who was feeling unwell with a cold brewing and thanks to Anna who stood in for Emma today.  Also very well done to Sally H who received players player.

Bristol Banners v Bristol & West 12 November 2011

GK Deb, GD Julie, WD Jo/Emma S, C Sally T, WA Maria, GA Sally H, GS Laura

Final Score 43 - 33 

Hooray, we played today with a sub.....that’s not happened in a very long time.  It was great that Jo came along happy to play some of the game and also happy to support and coach on the side line.

Bristol and West are currently top of the division – with a game in hand so we knew this would be a very competitive match.  After a very tight fight, we were managing to hold a lead by only one goal 9-8. The second quarter was so much better and we stretched the lead to 24-14.  By this time the shooters and defenders had established the opponents movements and we were getting into our stride. The third quarter stayed even which saw our score raise to 36-25 and an eventual win by 43-33.  Hurray!!!!!!! There was still a lot of huddling in the centre third, so maybe we have to try at training to practise our space awareness. It was quite a fast game and we all managed to keep up so well done to everyone, especially Sally T who by playing centre, makes it looks effortless – it’s just as well you do all of your running outside of netball Sall.  Very well done to Sally H who got players player –(Not man of the match as Emily corrected me).

Bristol Banners v Jets 5 October 2011

GK Deb, GD Lizza, WD Emma S, C Sally T, WA Maria, GA Sally H, GS Laura

Final Score 

We were very upbeat today wanting to get another win under our belts.

The first quarter was the lowest scoring quarter we have ever played with both teams having to battle so hard just to get a point. 2-1 to us. The game was fast and very scrappy on both sides and also the courts were very slippy which didn’t help. At half time we had stretched our lead 8-4 but knew that could change at any time. Some good feedback from the circle players indicated that we were all muddling together and not creating enough space in the centre third. By the end of the third quarter we were holding onto our lead by 14-9.  There were numerous mistakes on court by both teams which resulted in the game stop/starting so many times that we didn’t feel as though the game really flowed. Because of the fast pace of the game and the very tight marking, we weren’t able to play ‘our game’ and got a bit swept up with the pace and the forced errors.  None the less ‘ WE WON’.

Very well done to Deb who got players player.  Lizza and Deb worked endlessly in the circle and made the shooters game a misery!! Excellent!

Bristol Banners v 15 October 2011

GK Deb, GD Lizza, WD Jo, C Emma S, WA Julie, GA Maria, GS Laura

Final Score 45 - 6 

After our training session on Thursday, we were aiming to put into play our ‘dodging’ tactics.

They worked brilliantly and the whole game was great.  Players were moving into spaces and using each other well to get the ball right into our attacking circle.

We welcome Lizza into the squad and she performed really well and did a spectacular ‘almost’ forward roll on court during play – luckily no real damage done.

The quarters were scored as follows ;

1^st –        9-3

2^nd-         17-4

3^rd-         34-5

4^th-         45-6

A brilliant team effort again, bringing us 3 wins out of 3 games.  A great start to the season.

Laura was voted players player – well done Laura, your shooting was fab!

BristolBanners v Mangotsfield 8 October 2011

GK Deb, GD Julie, WD Jo, C Sally T, WA Emma S, GA Maria, GS Laura


Final Score 34 - 12

We struggled with availability for this match but thankfully Jo played even though she was advised not to at the moment because of her weak ankle.  So a big thanks to you Jo for putting yourself out for this game and having such good team spirit.

The team positions were different for some of us so it did take a good quarter for us to settle in and start playing well with each other.  The end of the 1^st quarter was even 5 – 5.  We were all guilty of silly faults like footwork, distance etc. But the next quarter showed we had taken on board our mistakes and we scored 9 and they didn’t score any!!

At half time we discussed our game and said to slow it down and try to remember some moves we had done in training. The third quarter was our best and we were leading 26 – 8. We were playing really well as a team and at the end of the game, we were all smiles with a final result of 34 – 12.

It was a great game with everybody pulling together and doing their part. Today was one of those netball days when you feel great to be playing.  I hope everyone felt that way as it was a well deserved win.

BristolBanners v Natwest 24 September 2011

Final Score 34 - 24 

Today saw in our first match of the season. Great to be back at the Grange.

It was nice and bright but after our warm up, some of us were already feeling a little puffed! A sure sign of upping the fitness levels.

We played Natwest who were down in our division  from div 8. The first quarter was eventful-the very tall GK was knocked out by her own team mate in a clash and had to leave the game.  We were trailing 5-4 when the whistle blew.

The 2^nd quarter we played a much better game and took the lead 15-8.

We talked at half time and all agreed we were bunching up too much and not driving forward as much as we should. By the end of the 3^rd quarter, our lead had increased to 25-13.  We were very positive by then and went on to win 34-24.  A great start to the season to get us on the score sheet with a win.  The game had some really good moments of play and great team work so this could be something to concentrate on at training.  If anyone feels we could benefit from certain areas of practise – ie back line passes, centre passes, dodging-anything, then feel free to say at training and we can work on any weaknesses.

Thanks to Anna who stepped in for Emma S at the last minute and fitted in really well.  Also thanks to Sally H who was meant to be helping her parents move house but came along  to play and got nominated players player. Well done!

Team Photos 5 December 2009

Sub Wendy, GS Cath, GK Deb, GA Sally H, WD Jo, C Sally T, WA Maria, GD Michelle