Essex Open B 62, Manor 48

Essex Open B secured an excellent 62–48 victory over Manor, with a dominant second quarter proving decisive.

First quarter: Essex lead 14–12

The opening quarter was closely contested, with both sides matching each other goal for goal. The scores were level at 9–9 before Essex edged ahead in the closing stages to establish a narrow two-goal advantage at the first break.

Second quarter: Essex extend their lead to 34–20

Essex took complete control in a superb second-quarter performance, laying the foundations for victory. Shooters Rochelle Reynolds-Blanche and Louise Acons found the net regularly, supplied by the impressive centre-court trio of Rebecca Mead, Melody Aheta and Katie Collins.

Essex’s dominance was particularly evident towards the end of the quarter, when they scored 11 goals while restricting Manor to just two. At half-time, Essex had opened up a commanding 14-goal lead.

Third quarter: Essex lead 46–31

Manor came out fighting after the interval, scoring five unanswered goals to put Essex under pressure. The defensive pairing of Nicky Reynolds-Blanche  and Emma Thorogood were tested as Manor threatened to work their way back into contention.

However, Essex regained control in the latter stages of the quarter. Attrona Seblanya who had come on at goal shooter, combined with Rochelle Reynolds-Blanche to help restore Essex’s dominance. Essex entered the final quarter with a comfortable 46–31 advantage.

Fourth quarter: Essex seal a 62–48 victory

With the points seemingly secure, Essex found it difficult to maintain the intensity of their earlier performance. The final quarter was much more evenly contested, with Essex narrowly winning the period 16–15.

Nevertheless, their outstanding second-quarter display had already put the game beyond Manor’s reach, and Essex saw out the match to record an impressive 62–48 victory.

Thorogood, N Reynolds-Blanche, Adheto, Mead, Collins, A Biss, Seblanya, Acons, R Reynolds-Blanche

Player of the Match: Louise Acons