“[I’m] just so thankful, honestly, it’s so well deserved. We’ve had such a tough season so I’m so glad” reflects captain Sylvia McCarthy, following the three point win.
The first quarter saw tensions building, with goals being scored on average every 39 seconds with no clear domination from either team.
UCL demonstrated very strong use of space, and ability to travel down the court with impressive speed while Kings’ key strength lay in their intense pace and nimble play in their half. The score concluded at 10-13 to Kings.
UCL’s spirits were clearly damaged after the first quarter, though the support and injection of energy from McCarthy created a palpable sense of hope, rallying both team and crowd.
The second quarter saw the building of confidence for UCL, as both crowds strengthened their support. Scores remained remarkably neck and neck throughout the entire first half, never surpassing a three goal difference. The first half of the game concluded at 22-23 to Kings, a redemption from the first quarter.
The third quarter couldn't be described as anything but fierce. The crowd was riled up, the players' intensity increased and the score reflected it with the highest number scored in a quarter over the game. UCL scored within the first minute, bringing the score even.
The rest of the quarter saw the teams going point for point for the first half then a slight UCL domination in the second half. Accusations of the referee being biased against UCL featured heavily in the crowd’s conversation, with a notable mass booing following a footwork call.
The final quarter followed the patterns of the game, with a burst of energy from Kings bringing the score back to one point apart at five minutes left, followed classically by a painful section of alternating points.
As the clock ran down, the desperation fueled the play and for the first time, the ball was whacked out of hands, multiple goals in a row were missed, the teams scrambled for possession on the floor.
UCL were looking like a sure win as the game entered the final minute with the ball in their possession, yet Kings managed to gain control and score in the final four seconds of the game, bringing the score to 46-46 as the claxon sounded. The Kings’ crowd went up in roars.
Extra time
Going into extra time the emotional toll to both sides was evident and the crowd became restless.
UCL took the first three goals. Kings the next two.
As time ticked, the reality began to dawn in the room. It was going purple.
With two minutes left, UCL sat at four points ahead at 53-49 and Kings, clearly shaken, missed goal after goal. After a fierce fight, the game concluded at 54-51 to UCL.
"LONDON STAYS PURPLE!!!” exclaimed Melisa Anyim (UCL’s goal shooter and the top goal scorer of the game) to The Cheese Grater. Another great Varsity success for UCL and a fantastically battled game from the Netball team.