NETBALL: Tornadoes triumph

Up against their Division One opponents, Tornadoes, also from Division One, had youth on their side with all the players between the ages of 14 and 16. Harriers made the stronger start taking the first quarter 8-4 as Crawley gave a nervy performance, failing to convert the numerous chances created.

The second quarter saw both teams make mistakes as Whites couldn’t find their usual rhythm, but did cut the gap to 14-12.

With a tactical change, Crawley’s GS and GA began to alternate the hold in the circle rather than playing their usual rotating game.

The tide began to turn for the young Tornadoes as their shots were converted with more regularity, while their centre dictated the game, linking defence and attack through the mid court.

Whites started to turn over plenty of attacks to move 21-18 ahead with 15 minutes to play as Harriers began to wilt.

Some constant pressure and great vision saw Tornadoes rip through the Buzzard’s rearguard, as a flurry of eight unanswered saw Crawley take the final quarter 12-3, and clinch a famous 33-21 victory.

The league’s cup final between Premier Division MK Netters and title holders Red Devils was the closest and most exciting in recent years.

The game was even until the third quarter when Devils moved ahead and started to build a lead.

Persistence and pace saw them maintain their advantage in the final quarter and complete a 38-29 triumph to retain their trophy.

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