Essex Open secured a narrow 36-34 win in a vitally important regional league game at Ashmole School today.
Hyde Park 34 Essex Open 36

In a thrilling game Essex secured a vital win which in all probability secures their place in Division 2 of the regional league for next year. Essex started well with Sarah Biss, Rebecca Mead and Vicky Fox dominating the centre court and helping create a number of scoring opportunities. However Essex struggled to convert these and at the end of the first quarter Essex were in trouble as they trailed 11-5. The second quarter was much more evenly matched as Essex took their chances and were even able to make a slight inroad into the deficit but at half time Essex were still 4 goals in arrears as Hyde Park led 21-17.
Tactical changes at half time were to turn the game. Rochelle Reynolds-Blanche came on as goal shooter and Zoie Humphrey went to goal defence. With Stewart and Humhrey outstanding in defence and with Reynolds-Blanche having an immediate impact as shooter Essex fought back strongly. The quarter proved to be decisive as Essex turned a 4 goal deficit into a 2 goal lead as they went in front 29-27.
In the last quarter Essex were determined not to give up their hard earned advantage and worked hard to keep Hyde Park at bay. With 5 minutes left Essex had extended their lead to 4 goals. Although Hyde Park staged a late rally when the final whistle went Essex were victors by 36-34.
Stewart, Linehan, Fox, Mead , Biss, Humhrey, Jackson, Reynolds-Blanche