Pilgrims push title hopefuls all the way in narrow defeat
PLYMOUTH Pilgrims came within a goal of upsetting a serious Regional One applecart against Saints Cornwall.
The city netball side lost 42-41 to the side who are scrapping it out with Team Jets for the divisional title at the Life Centre.
Pilgrims picked up two losing bonus points and stay in touch with the two leaders.
They are 13 adrift of leaders Team Jets, but only eight behind the Saints.
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Club chairwoman Sue Gullick said her team had staged a comeback in the final quarter.
Pilgrims actually took the lead, but were forced to make team changes after injuries to sharp-shooter Hayley Gullick and defender Carl Johnson.
Hayley Gullick, having just got over a serious ankle injury, has a calf-muscle problem, while Johnson has a shoulder problem.
Gullick said: "It was a brilliant result and a highly-competitive game.
"At half time we were down by four goals, but it was a brilliant fight back in the last quarter to bring it back to 42-41."
She added: "Saints are young, fit and skilful, as are we, so it made for good watching – quite a few spectators were there, which was great to see.
"As we were within five goals of Saints, we pick up that crucial two points which keeps us in the running.
"We lost heavily to Saints the first game of the season as well."
Gullick said rebuilding Pilgrims' youngsters – Becca Priest, Kylie Dann and Lizzie Mitchelmore – all played well, while 17-year-old Kayleigh Read got valuable court time when she came on at wing defence in the last quarter.
Gullick said: "She carried the ball down court well and hopefully got a lot from the experience."
Meanwhile, in Regional Two, injury-ridden Plymouth Marjon did well to pick up a losing bonus point at North Devon rivals Carol Anne.
Marjon lost 31-17, but did enough to keep the division's relegation zone at arm's length.
The city side's new player-coach Arnie Brown suffered an ankle injury and Marjon have two goalkeepers out with knee problems, but team manager Donna Bristow said they would be given time to mend.
Bristow said: "It was disappointing for the girls to lose, but we don't play again until next month, so that will give us time to regroup.
"We can bring through some of the junior players – they are good enough to be moved up into the first team in any case."
Shooter Danielle Ritchie was nominated Marjon's player of the match by their opposition.
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