By Ed Bregua
USW netball 1sts gained their first point of the season after they shared the spoils with University of the West of England (UWE) in a thrilling 49-49 draw.
A blockbuster encounter at the Sport Park allowed for some top-quality netball, but neither side were able to muster that winning moment.
An extremely fast-paced start to the game from UWE saw them race into a four-goal lead.
But USW showed great fight to get back into the quarter, and crucial shots from Elin Barwick and Ali Chan eventually guided them to a lead of 15-14.
The second quarter was an almost exact replica of the first, with both sides going blow-for-blow.
It was a particularly clinical 15 minutes for USW captain Chan, who netted eight out of 13 points, and UWE goal-shoot Liv Pawson who shared the same ratio. At the halfway mark, the score stood at 28-27 to the home side.
Pic: Rebecca Hall
Early in the third quarter, great passages of play from USW saw them breeze past the UWE defence to net three straight baskets.
But, aggressive defence from UWE allowed them to disrupt USW as they clawed their way back in front halfway through the third quarter. USW once again showed their resilience, however, and finished the quarter strongly to lead 39-37.
USW began the final quarter on top and led by five at one stage. However, UWE scraped back to within one point with four minutes left on the clock, allowing for a deservedly dramatic finale.
After a tense few moments and poor possessional play, Pawson netted for UWE.
This left the game on level terms with 45 seconds remaining and neither side could find the crucial breakthrough.
USW travel to Bristol in two weeks to face their 2nd team, while UWE head to Cardiff to face their 4th side.