Tempest prosper in netball league

Tempest prevailed against their Peebles rivals 21-14 following a fast-paced and physical match at Peebles High School, resulting in the trophy leaving Peebles for the first time since the league’s inception in 2014.

Coached by Langlee Primary School teacher Marion Romeril, the team consists of adults and senior Galashiels Academy pupils and is captained by S6 pupil Lauren Thomson. The team is sponsored by

local business Tempest Brewery, which recently helped provide dresses for the players.

After a tense few minutes, and missed opportunities by both sides, Tempest opened the scoring but Storm were soon to close their rivals’ advantage. Tempest shooters Karen Gillie and Sophie Wilson netted six goals, with Storm only two behind as the first quarter ended 6-4.

The second quarter saw both sides evenly matched as the teams defended well and snatched rebounds in the shooting circle. Netting four goals each, Tempest kept hold of their two-goal advantage, with the quarter finishing 10-8 to the Gala team.

Tempest stepped up their game in the third quarter with some excellent and accurate centre passes to the attackers. Defenders Caris Brus, Sandra Hendry and Anne Mckechnie made some superb interceptions and capitalised on rebounds to restrict Storm’s goal tally.

Meanwhile, shooters Sophie Birtwistle and Sophie Wilson hit the target as Tempest battered through Storm’s defence. Tempest had the Division Two title within their reach as they led 18-10 going into the final quarter.

With excitement rising, the two teams battled it out in the last quarter and Storm refused to give way. They won the final quarter 4-3 but that was not enough to stop Tempest from sweeping to a 21-14 victory and gaining the Division 2 title.

Tempest named Storm’s centre as ‘fair play’ and the Gala team’s goal keep, Sandra Hendry, picked up her third ‘fair play’ award of the season after fantastic defence of Tempest’s goal.