Essex Open 42 – New Cambell 47

This was a disappointing result for Essex. Although they were behind for large parts of the game, an impressive third quarter put them in a strong position going into the final 15 minutes with a chance to secure the points. Unfortunately, that opportunity was not taken, and Essex eventually finished five goals adrift.

Cambell started brightly and quickly established a 4–0 lead, making it look as though Essex could be in for a long afternoon. However, Essex responded well, with Hayzelden and Oshodi finding their shooting form. By the end of the first quarter, Essex had fought back to trail by just one goal, with Cambell leading 12–11.

Essex lost momentum in the second quarter as Cambell took control. Although both teams made errors, Cambell openea seven-goal lead at 21–14. The remainder of the quarter was evenly matched, leaving Essex seven goals behind at half-time.

Essex made changes for the third quarter, with Sarah Biss and Sebyala Attrona taking to the court. The changes had an immediate impact, as Essex made an excellent start, scoring seven goals while restricting Cambell to just one in reply.

Although Cambell responded strongly, Essex matched them across the centre court, with Johanne Linehan and Nicole Alves creating plenty of possession for the shooters. At the end of the third quarter, the game was finely poised at 34–34. Despite their poor second quarter, Essex had done an excellent job of fighting their way back into the contest.

Disappointingly, Essex started the final quarter poorly and allowed Cambell to regain the initiative. Cambell scored eight goals to Essex’s two, and at a crucial stage of the match Essex made too many mistakes while Cambell tightened up defensively.

To their credit, Essex fought back once again, and the remainder of the quarter was much more evenly matched. However, the damage had already been done, and Essex eventually went down 47–42.

Overall, it was a mixed performance from Essex: there were periods of very good play, but too many mistakes at key moments ultimately cost them dearly. Defensively, Charlotte Peters and Emma Thoroughgood worked hard against a strong Cambell attack, but overall Essex were unable to do quite enough to secure the result.

Peters, Thorogood, Benns, Linehan, Mead, Biss, Alves, Sebyala, Hayzelden and Oshodi