Essex Open U14 maroons take on their younger clubmates the U13 maroons.

This weekend, the Essex Open U14 Maroons played against their younger clubmates, the U13 Maroons, in the first game of the season’s second half. Both teams had earned their spots in the U16A league, with the U14s winning all their matches in the ‘A’ league and the U13s finishing third in the ‘B’ league.

The U14s started strong, quickly taking a 6-0 lead. The U13s struggled, making several mistakes, perhaps due to nerves or the recent Christmas break. By the end of the first quarter, the U14s were comfortably ahead 12-3.

As the game progressed, the U14s continued to work well, moving the ball down the court with ease, at times looking unfazed. They easily extended their lead to 19-5 by halftime.

In the third quarter, the U13s began to improve. They tightened up their passing and footwork, winning the quarter and closing the gap. The score was now 23-11 to the U14s.

The U13s started the final quarter strongly, but the U14s’ speed, stamina and experience helped them maintain their lead. The game ended with a 29-17 victory for the U14s.

The U14s demonstrated excellent teamwork and consistency throughout the match, while the U13s showed flashes of skillful play they can continue to build upon in future games.

Congratulations to Players of the Match: Ava-Marie for the U14s and Ariella for the U13s.