Match Report: Essex Open U9 Blues 2 – 5 Woodford Warriors

Essex Met Under 10 Netball League

The Essex Open U9 Blues started slowly, with a lack of movement off the ball making it difficult to create passing options and allowing Woodford Warriors to dominate the general play. Although we restricted them to relatively few shooting opportunities, they managed to convert one, leaving us 1–0 down at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw a fantastic response from the girls. They listened to the instructions, improved their movement towards the ball, looked forward when passing and worked hard to re-offer themselves. This resulted in much better possession, more attacking opportunities and a well-deserved goal to get us back into the game.

From the second quarter onwards, the Essex Open U9 Blues arguably became the better team, dominating possession, improving the standard of play and creating significantly more shooting opportunities. The third and fourth quarters continued in much the same positive manner, with the girls playing some excellent netball and creating plenty of chances. Unfortunately, our shooting accuracy let us down. Woodford Warriors had fewer shooting opportunities but were much more clinical in the shooting circle, ultimately making the difference. The game finished 5–2 to Woodford Warriors.

Despite the result, the girls should be incredibly proud of their performance. This was arguably our best performance of the season so far, and the improvement in movement, teamwork, passing and overall quality of netball was there for everyone to see. There is still work to do on our shooting accuracy and consistency in front of goal, but the team is developing all the time and is clearly on an upward trajectory. Opposition Player of the Match: Chloe. Coaches’ Player of the Match: Natalia. Well done, girls – plenty of positives to take forward into the next game!

OPOM: Chloe
CPOM: Natalia