Netball Match Report: Sutton Town vs Essex Open

Final score: Sutton Town 16 – 14 Essex Open

A really good, close game that could have gone either way until the end.

Quarter 1 (Sutton Town 6 – 5 Essex Open)
Essex Open were a bit nervy to begin with, but they soon settled and both teams got into their stride. Lizzie scored a great first goal and looked confident in the goal third. Essex gave away an early penalty in the goal third, but Sutton’s defence put on good pressure at the other end to force a held ball. Noa’s defending won a great turnover, Elisha changed direction really well, and Asya did well to win the ball back. Sutton’s goal shooter was spot on all quarter, which gave them a one-goal lead.
Quarter 2 (Essex Open 11 – 9 Sutton Town at half time)
Sutton scored early in the second quarter, and Elisha followed with a confident goal and some nice movement in the goal third. Lizzie was brilliant shooting from distance, and she was just unlucky with one that didn’t drop. Edie got up nicely for a turnover, and Shyanne made a good take from the final centre pass of the quarter. Essex Open went into the break two goals ahead.
Quarter 3 (11 – 11)
An early call went Essex’s way against the Sutton goal shooter, and the defence kept the pressure on. Anya came on at Goal Attack and Sutton made a strong start to the quarter. Lizzie held well, and both teams worked hard on their footwork. Essex were unlucky with a held ball call in the goal third at a key moment, which stopped them going on the attack. Sutton were the stronger team this quarter, and although only two goals went in, it was enough to bring the scores level.
Quarter 4 (Final: Sutton Town 16 – 14 Essex Open)
Sutton won an early turnover, and Essex Open made some good decisions between their shooters. There were a few moments where Essex could have moved the ball on a little quicker, and a few contact calls went against them, but those are easy things to tidy up. Sutton were stronger all round this quarter, and Elisha finished with some confident shots. Sutton took the win, but it was a close one. Well played, everyone!

Umpires MVP – Jessica

Wodson Park vs Essex Open
Final score: Wodson Park 24 – 17 Essex Open
Wodson Park had the better of the game, but Essex Open kept going right to the end and finished well.
Quarter 1 (Wodson Park 10 – 6 Essex Open)
Wodson Park were quick out of the blocks, intercepting Essex’s first centre pass and scoring from it in the first minute. Essex found their feet after that. Elisha scored a great goal, and Stella made a lovely take in the Wodson Park third and got the ball quickly to Elisha. There was some nice passing through the third, and Skye took a good first shot.
Quarter 2 (Wodson Park 12 – 9 Essex Open at half time)
Essex hit back, winning the quarter 3–2. Jess led the way with strong early defending and a brilliant take that lifted the whole team, and Essex made the most of a Wodson Park penalty by winning the ball and getting it down to goal. It was a frantic quarter, though. Essex bunched up in the court and rushed the ball under pressure, which cost them chances to build the gap. Staying calm and spreading out will make a big difference.
Quarter 3 (Wodson Park 21 – 12 Essex Open)
Skye played a great split shot and was brave to step up and take a penalty shot, even though it didn’t go in this time. A few overthrown balls in defence gave Wodson Park the ball back, and they played with a bit more flow and started to pull away.
Quarter 4 (Wodson Park 24 – 17 Essex Open, final)
Essex finished strongly and won the quarter 5–3. Jess took a great rebound, and Stella’s intercept won the ball back and led to a turnover into goal. There were a couple of shots from close range that could have gone up with a bit more confidence, and one lob to goal was intercepted, but those are easy things to work on. Well played, everyone, and well done to Essex for a great finish!

Umpires MVP – Edie

Credit Skye