Essex Open A 53 Essex Open B 42
This was a highly entertaining contest between the top two Essex Open sides, and from the outset it was a very tight affair.
For much of the opening quarter, the game went with the centre pass, with Essex Open A’s centre-court combination of Rebecca Wilks, Nicole Alves and Johanne Linehan well matched by their B-team counterparts, Nicola Wilke, Kim Bennis and Rebecca Mead. In the latter stages of the quarter, the A team managed to inch ahead, with Leah Hayzelden and Atronna Sebyala shooting well despite the efforts of defensive duo Emma Thorogood and Bernadette Mahoney. At the end of the first quarter, the A team had established a 15–11 lead.
The B team fought back strongly at the start of the second quarter, with Rochelle Reynolds-Blanch and Louise Acons finding the net frequently. They pulled the scores level at 18-all before the A team responded to restore their advantage. At one stage, the A team led by six goals at 26–20, but the B team refused to be denied, scoring four unanswered goals to trail by just two at half-time.
The B team started the second half strongly, with Grace Hinman replacing Louise Acons at shooter and quickly finding her range. The B team moved in front at 29–27, but once again A fought back, taking control through the centre court and moving into a 33–30 lead.
Unfortunately, the fire alarm then interrupted the third quarter. The decision was made to cut the quarter short and move straight into the fourth quarter so that the match could finish on time.
Sadly for the B team, the disruption appeared to affect their momentum. They conceded 13 goals at the start of the fourth quarter while managing just one in response. In defence for Essex Open the A team welcomed back Michelle Stewart who formed a strong partnership with Renee Hurley.To their credit, however, B rallied strongly in the closing stages. They dominated possession and scored 11 goals to A’s five during the latter part of the quarter.
When the final whistle went on an entertaining and hard-fought game, Essex Open A ran out 53–42 winners.
Despite the final margin, this was an excellent performance from Essex Open B, who pushed their counterparts hard for much of the contest.
A team Player of the Match Attrona
B team Player of the Match Kim
A: Stewart, Hurley, Alves, Linehan, R Wilks, Hayzelden, Sebyala
B: Mahoney, Thorogood, N Wilks, Bennis, Mead, Acons, Reynolds-Blance, Collins, S Biss, Hinman
