Celtic Dragons fire to a 50-37 victory over Strathclyde Sirens

Dragons were on a mission, hoping to rectify that one-goal loss from their last meeting in Round 9 and were off to a flying start from the very first whistle, converting off their centre passes and grabbing a 3-0 lead in the opening minutes.

Sirens were on the board thanks to a successful shot from goal-attack, Niamh McCall and it was game on.

However, the home-side struggled to convert as the Dragons defenders caused issues in the attacking end before an intercept from Vinkhumbo lifted her team as they worked hard to reward the defensive efforts.

Siren’s goal defence, Emily Nicholl, stamped her authority early with an intercept and made it a one-goal game.

Sinclair strength 💪@celticdragons_ GA with exceptional core strength, keeping the ball in for her side 🤯

As the clock counts down, you can watch the final few minutes LIVE on @SkySports Action and YouTube 📺 pic.twitter.com/SS0oALxrZq

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 26, 2023

Dragons hit back and managed to find their flow with consecutive goals as the quarter ended in their favour, leading Strathclyde Sirens 10-8.

Dragons were quick out of the quarter time break as an offside call from Sirens allowed the visitors to get into a rhythm, scoring consecutive goals, and moving to a 18-11 with just a few minutes remaining in the first half.

Vinkhumbo deflected the ball in attempt to slow down the Dragons attack and with 30 seconds to go she picked up another intercept which was rewarded by Carys Cairns under the post but Dragons went into the half-time break leading, 22-14.

As the second half opened, a missed shot from Sirens gave their opponents the opportunity to convert and they were quick on transition, stamping their authority as they went up by 10 goals with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Keeping the ball in whilst doing it in style 😎@celticdragons_ working hard to keep the ball in whilst demonstrating some fancy footwork 🦶#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/nfKMEO6Gvr

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 26, 2023

Cairns and McCall worked tirelessly under the post and linked up with Beth Dix and Claire Maxwell to keep possession and reward each other, however, Dragons had a solid run closing out the quarter with a 15-goal lead over Sirens, 37-23.

The final quarter began with Bethan Goodwin back into goal shooter for Sirens as Vinkhumbo was solid in defence, coming up with another intercept against a tough opponent in Rachel Dunn.

Sirens worked tirelessly to score, hoping to slowly chip away at the scoreboard but Dragons refused to back down and were clinical with the ball with centre, Hannah Leighton, fully in control across the court.

And after a tough 60-minute battle, Celtic Dragons were victorious defeating Strathclyde Sirens, 50-37.

Report supplied by Strathclyde Sirens