Netball
Cheshire U16s 49
Wiltshire U16s 16
MACCLESFIELD duo Heather Snape and Gabby Bailey helped Cheshire Under-16s remain top of the English Counties League with one game to go after a convincing victory against Wiltshire in Winsford.
The two girls were in superb form for the Macclesfield Express-sponsored team; Henbury High School's Heather, who plays goal attack, enjoyed a 100 per cent success shotting rate, while centre Gabby Bailey, from All Hallows, added speed and athleticism to the county side.
The pair now travel with the squad to Worcester on March 18 for the final game of the season knowing a win will see them crowned national champions.
On Saturday, Cheshire enjoyed a flying start, turning over a number of Wiltshire attacking moves to take a 9-4 first-quarter lead. The home side powered away from Wiltshire in the second quarter to extend their advantage to 22-10 at half-time.
After the break, Heather and Gabby helped Cheshire go even further ahead as they ended the quarter 41-13 in front. The visitors were finding it difficult to string together passages of cohesive play, and were being dominated by the Cheshire defence of Rosie Steward, Jess Ayuya and Jess Harrison.
In the fourth quarter Corrine Kinviq's movement, speed of pass and accuracy revitalised Cheshire's attack. Rosie Stewards' anticipation and tight marking forced Wiltshire into errors, while wing attack Hayley Preece fed in-form shooter Bev Stokes to help the hosts complete a fine 49-16 win.
