Essex Open A 68 New Cambell Green 49
In their final match of the season for Essex Open, A, the equation was simple – if they lost by less than ten goals, they would get the two points that would secure them the Essex Met Division One title for the second season running. However, Essex wanted to go through the season unbeaten, and in the first quarter, it was a titanic battle between the top two sides in the division. For the first three quarters of the first quarter, there was not more than a single goal between the two sides. Campbell then edged ahead, 10-8, but once again Essex fought back. Maddie Oshodi and Leah Hayelden were in tremendous form in the circle and were well supported by the rest of the side. At the end of the quarter, Essex edged in front to lead 16-14. Once again, in the early stages of the second quarter the sides were well matched and Emma Shaw and Rene Hurley were battling hard in the defensive circle against a tall shooter who rarely missed and took advantage of the long balls that were put into her. In the centre court, Rebecca Wilks, Johanne Linehan and Nicole Alves. were battling hard to keep Essex on terms. Towards the end of the quarter, Essex edged ahead, and at halftime Essex held a five-goal lead.
New Campbell were unfortunate in losing their goalkeeper to a freak injury when she collided with a post, but this meant Essex, and in particular Hazelden and Oshodi, were able to dominate the attacking circle. In the first part of the second half, Essex continued to take advantage of their centre pass, which made it very difficult for New Cambell to get back in the game. Although they battled hard in the first part of the quarter, in the second part of the quarter Essex accelerated ahead, and with the whistle going for the end of the third quarter, the title was effectively theirs as they led 46-37. Another unfortunate injury to the Campbell goal-shooter meant there was no way back for Campbell, and in the last quarter Essex really took the game away from Cambell, playing some excellent netball and taking full advantage of the unfortunate injuries suffered by their opponents. In the last quarter, Essex scored 21 goals against 11 from Cambell to ensure an excellent 67-48 victory and secure a second consecutive Met League title. A special mention for Emma Shaw playing her last game who has been a model of consistency throughout the season. She will be sorely missed.
Shaw, Hurley, Alves, Linehan, R Wilks, Hayzelden and Oshodi
