Roundwood 39, Essex Open 58.

This was another excellent performance from Essex Open, which means that if they beat Eclipse next Saturday, they will be officially crowned champions of Regional Division 2. Essex started the game slowly and allowed Roundwood to capitalise on some uncharacteristic mistakes to take an early 4-2 lead. However, Essex soon got back into their stride and the centre court trio of Joanne Lynam, Jasmine Ojebarin and Rebecca Wilkes started to dominate play. Such was their dominance that Essex scored 12 goals with Roundwood managing only two in response. In the shooting circle, Leah Hazelden and Maddie Oshodi were displaying their normal accuracy to give Essex a 15-8 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter followed a similar pattern as Roundwood started on top, again scoring four goals to two in response from Essex. However, Essex dominated the rest of the quarter, playing some of their best netball of the season. Essex totally dominated all areas of the court as they scored 13 goals, with Roundwood managing only three in response. Roundwood had found it very difficult to break down the Essex defence where Emma Shaw and Emma Thorogood were outstanding. At half-time Essex led 33-16 and to all intents and purposes the game was over. The second half was much more tightly fought. With Roundwood making numerous substitutions throughout the second half, it was difficult for Essex to regain their momentum. The third quarter was more evenly matched, with Essex edging it 13-10. In the last quarter, Louise Akons was introduced at wing attack for her first regional game of the season. The last quarter was extremely close, with Roundwood edging it 13-12. However, at the end of the game, this was an excellent victory for Essex over the team that were third in the league. With two games to go, Essex are hoping to achieve a notable victory next Saturday to ensure that they win the league.

Here’s a cleaner, more polished version of your match report:

Roundwood 39 – 58 Essex Open

This was another excellent performance from Essex Open, leaving them just one win away from being crowned Regional Division 2 champions. Victory against Eclipse next Saturday would secure the title.

Essex made a slow start, allowing Roundwood to capitalise on some uncharacteristic errors and take an early 4–2 lead. However, Essex quickly found their rhythm, with the centre court trio of Johanne Linehan, Jasmin Odegberin, and Rebecca Wilks taking control of the game. Their dominance was evident as Essex went on a 12–2 scoring run. In the shooting circle, Leah Hayzelden and Maddie Oshodi were in fine form, helping Essex to a 15–8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Emma Shaw and Emma Thorogood were making it very difficult for Roundwood in the Essex defensive circle.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Roundwood again started strongly, scoring four goals to Essex’s two, but Essex soon reasserted control. Playing some of their best netball of the season, they outscored Roundwood 13–3 for the remainder of the quarter. The defensive pairing of Emma Shaw now with Johanne Linehan  proved particularly effective, making it difficult for Roundwood to find any attacking momentum. Nicole Alves had come on as wing defence  and soon slotted into the team .By half-time, Essex held a commanding 33–16 lead, effectively putting the game beyond reach.

The second half was more competitive, with Roundwood making several substitutions that disrupted Essex’s flow. The third quarter was evenly contested, though Essex still edged it 13–10. In the final quarter, Louise Acons made her first regional appearance of the season at wing attack. Roundwood narrowly won the quarter 13–12, but Essex’s earlier dominance ensured a comfortable overall victory.

This was a strong result for Essex against the league’s third-placed side. With two games remaining, they now look ahead to next Saturday, where a win would secure a well-deserved league title.

Shaw, Thorogood, Linehan, Alves, Odegberin, R Wilks, Acons, Hayzelden, Oshodi