Essex emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins in a fiercely competitive game, thanks largely to a strong first-half performance.
Essex started the game well, with Nicole Alves, Johanne Linehan and Rebecca Wilks taking control of the centre court. This created opportunities for shooters Leah Hayzelden and Maddie Oshodi to get goals on the board. By the midway point of the first quarter, Essex had established an 8–3 lead. However, as was to be the case throughout the game, Capital Nuns fought back strongly, reducing the deficit to just two goals at 8–6.
Both teams traded goals for the rest of the first quarter, with Essex leading 15–12 at the whistle.
Once again, Capital Nuns came back strongly, reducing the deficit to two goals early in the second quarter. However, this was arguably the quarter that won Essex the game. They retained possession well and created numerous scoring opportunities. At half-time, Essex had established a six-goal lead, sitting comfortably at 31–25 and looking well placed to take the points.
However, the second half proved to be a very different affair. The pressure began to creep into Essex’s play, and the physical nature of the game made it increasingly difficult for them to move forward effectively. Essex were grateful for the efforts of their defensive duo, Charlotte Peters and Renee Hurley, who worked tirelessly against a strong Capital Nuns attack.
Essex once again took the initiative and, towards the end of the third quarter, led 40–34. However, three quick goals from Capital Nuns towards the end of the quarter reduced the deficit to just three, leaving everything to play for in the final quarter.
The opening stages of the final quarter became a scrappy affair, with both sides guilty of conceding possession. On several occasions, Capital Nuns reduced the deficit to a single goal, but each time Essex managed to regain possession and create scoring opportunities of their own.
Essex defended resolutely in the closing stages and, at the final whistle, emerged as winners by 49–47 in a thoroughly hard-fought contest.
Peters, Hurley, Alves, Thorogood, Linehan, R Wilks, Reynolds-Blanche, Hayzelden, Oshodi
