WATFORD PREMIER NETBALL CLUB were left to rue missed chances as they suffered a 57-48 defeat away at Ipswich in the NCL on Sunday, October 7.

In a first quarter, marred by defensive errors, Watford allowed the home side to take control and move into a telling 17-10 lead at the break.

With the advantage of observing the Ipswich goal attacks pattern of play from the bench, Helen Goodfellow, deputising at goal defence, made an immediate impact.

Her tight marking reduced the amount of Ipswich possession were afforded in key areas, subsequently the Ipswich goal attempts dropped from 24 to 16 in the second period.

At the other end, wing attack Jane Ferguson, in her first NCL game, outpaced the Ipswich wing defence to target Patricia Newton with well-weighted passes.

At half time, Watford had pulled back the score to 28-19.

Premier took advantage positional changes in the Ipswich line-up to forge ahead for the first time in the third quarter.

The assertive rhythm created in attack between Newton, Warren, Ferguson and Simpson resulted in a flow of ball to the shooters who responded with 19 successful efforts out of 24 attempts.

With renewed confidence, Watford pulled back to 42-38 entering the last quarter.

Determined defending by both teams denied space and movement to the attack and prevented access to the circle edge.

The inevitable jostling offences brought about a host of penalties, particularly in the semi-circle.

With only two goals separating the teams for three-quarters of the game, Watford will rue the mistakes in the first half as they eventually were defeated by just nine points.

October 11, 2001 19:53