A highly competitive match that could have gone either way. The Epsom girls started pensively, making a few unforced errors, which – given the length of time since they had last played Netball – was not particularly surprising.
The score went goal for goal until nearing the end of the first quarter when Epsom started to find their patterns of play and stepped up their defence to secure a turnover, which they converted to go into the break two goals up.
In the second quarter the play was more controlled. Timing and movement was good and the reliability of Eva Sesay (M) and Amelia Burke (Rv) in the shooting circle meant that when the ball got to them, they scored. Epsom increased their lead to four.
Some changes at half-time kept the flow of the game going and with excellent defensive pressure through the court, the Epsom girls denied Lingfield the chance to pull back, despite their best efforts.
The final quarter was nerve-racking. The Epsom girls started to look tired and Lingfield took their opportunities to pull back the deficit to just two.
Epsom found a final burst of energy in the last few minutes to stop Lingfield’s run of goals and maintained their slender lead to take the win. A great team effort, with hard work throughout the court.
Amy Henwood (Wh), Grace Gardner (Wh) and Gabby Sesay (M) frustrated the talented Lingfield attack to win lots of ball. India Gould (Rv) came into the team but the fact it was her first time playing with the rest of the team was not at all evident. She played out of position at Centre and linked incredibly well with Freya Johnson (Wh), Amelia Burke and Eva Sesay feeding the ball beautifully to the shooters. A good first outing for the girls. Lots of areas for improvement and development but the team is looking good.
Players of the Match: India Gould (Rv) and Amelia Burke (Rv)
WON 27-25
