Lost 25-29
Strong defence by both teams kept the scores very low in this first outing for the 1st team this term. Epsom lost it in the first quarter, making basic errors in positioning and ball placement. Against a strong team like St John’s they could not afford to make any errors and the girls were duly punished. Epsom finished the first quarter down 10 goals with a score of 3-13. At the quarter-time team talk the girls realised what they were doing wrong, where they needed to improve and went out far more confident and determined.
The next two quarters were a completely different story to the first. The girls slowly pulled back, with stronger defensive pressure throughout the whole court, but in particular numerous interceptions by the defensive duo of Sophie Rhodes (R) and Ebube Akojie (Wh). Coupled with far better attacking play Epsom won the next two quarters 7-4 and 6-3 to be just four goals behind. Going into the final quarter the girls lost their flow slightly, not helped by falls and a couple of injuries and despite opportunities they were unable to pull back the four goal deficit.
Lots of positives to take from this first game, with the girls showing their potential, but sadly just not consistently for the full four quarters.
Players of the Match: Sophie Rhodes (R) and Ebube Akojie (Wh)
