Match of the week preview 27/02/2019

NTU currently sit second in the table with eight wins from nine matches. It has been another fantastic year for NTU Netball, they have taken a number of commanding league wins and are still in contention for the cup.

Victories against the likes of Worcester, Birmingham and Cambridge has seen the team guarantee at least a second placed finish in the league, one place higher than last season.

The pink’s opposition for the match is University of Nottingham 1. They sit top of Midlands 1A but only edge NTU thanks to a better head-to-head record. UON defeated the pinks in an incredibly close game back in November, the final score UON 39-38 NTU.

We sat down with NTU Netball head coach Louise Hopkin to get the lowdown on Wednesday’s match.

How are you feeling ahead of Wednesday’s match?

I am really excited about this fixture, we have had a great run this season and with it all tied at the top of the table (NTU Netball only +13 goals better off) this is going to be a true showcase of incredible netball.

NTU know it is winner takes all on Wednesday.

What would it mean for the team and Netball programme to win the game and the league?

This would really cement ourselves as contenders for the premiership. Our target was to aim for promotion in 2019-20, but I believe, winning the league and a place in the play offs this year would testify to the changes and increased investment in Netball. The team’s hard work on and off the court has created a really strong performance club culture – all of the effort has really paid off.

What players should spectators keep an eye out for?

With more investment in netball we have been able to advance six scholars this season and all six have made a huge impact both on and off the court, which in turn has increased the ability of the 1s team squad. All our 12 squad members have developed and progressed their skill levels and not one player is more important than another.

• Susie Armstrong is our club captain - a captain in every sense and a true team player. Watch her put out the performance of the season in this game and without doubt she will provide some special turn over moments at Goal Defence.

• Britt Coleman is our phenomenal shooter, she makes shooting look so effortless. Britt is part of the Loughborough Lightning super league set up and is a force to be reckoned with.

• We have our centre court Wing Attack scholar and England U19’s player Hannah Williams, back in action within her phased return after a year of ACL rehab. Not to mention Sophie Little, Centre, and Zoe Williams, Goal Shooter /Goal Attack. Both have had a brilliant seasons.

• However, our Goal Keeper Freya Wood has taken away a number of ‘Player of the match’ awards this season, alongside last year’s club player Ana Lewis at Wing Attack  – proving that Netball is the ultimate team sport.

It is all set to be a huge game of Netball with both sides knowing that it is winner takes all.

Make sure you come down to Lee Westwood to support the girls and help push them on to victory. However, if you cannot make the match we will be providing live updates throughout the game on our Instagram story and Twitter feed, so you don’t miss a moment.

Game: NTU Women’s Netball 1 v University of Nottingham 1
Date: 27/02/2019
Location: Lee Westwood Sports Centre, Main Hall A
Time: 16:30

Follow NTU Sport on Twitter and NTU Sport on Instagram to keep up to date with how all our teams are getting on.