Essex Open 52, Claygate 30.

Essex Open gained revenge on title challengers Claygate, who inflicted defeat on them earlier in the season, with an emphatic victory at Epsom and Ewell College today. The victory was built on a magnificent first quarter performance, which was undoubtedly the best of the season, as Essex stormed into a 15-3 lead at the end of the first quarter and effectively had the points in the bag. Essex started in excellent form with some superb defending from Emma Shaw and Renee Hurley, well supported by the centre-court trio of Johanne  Linehan, Jasmin Odegberin  and Rebecca Wilks They made it extremely difficult for Claygate to get into the Essex Open circle, whilst at the other end, Leah Hayzelden and Maddie Oshodi were taking full advantage of the opportunities created. Essex got off to a dream start as they raced into a 6-0 lead. Although Claygate started to gain more possession, they found it increasingly difficult to get into the Essex circle. Starting the second quarter, Essex continued where they left off. Rochelle Reynolds-Blanche came in at goal attack, and  Essex continued to score freely. With Claygate finding it difficult to make any inroads into the Essex defence , Essex finished the first half 29-10 in front. Any hopes of Claygate making a recovery in the second half were extinguished by Essex, who in the first part of the 3rd quarter scored eight goals, with Claygate only managing one in reply. With their superiority very much in evidence, Essex were able to make further changes to their line-up, and Emma Thorogood and Nicole Alves were able to come onto court and ensure Essex continued to dominate. With a quarter to go, Essex led 42-18. Inevitably, in the last quarter, Essex fell away a little, having effectively got  the points in the bag. Claygate won the last quarter 12-10, but overall, this was an excellent Essex performance, which consolidates their position at the top of the table.

Shaw, Hurley, Thorogood, Linehan, Alves,  Odegberin, R Wilks, Reynolds-Blanche,