Essex Open C retained their Division 2 status with an excellent 51-32 victory over Cumberland 1st team yesterday. Since Christmas the C team have been on an excellent run winning 5 out of 6
games.
Author: Steve Wilks
Categories
Essex Under 12s enjoy a victory
EO U12M vs Brentwood
U14 Essex Met League
Todays’ match was a really interesting and well contested game; a nice and much needed win for the U12M squad.
We played Brentwood and we went on the court ready. During the game Brentwood were a strong side, contested every ball and very competitive.
”That’s what netball is about. The Competition, the going hard, the taking the knocks is all in the game” coach Bisi says to us.
At times when our heads went down and we came off court complaining, we took that advice from Bisi and we believed in ourselves and kept the pressure on Brentwood; especially as we went into the 3rd quarter.
Even though we played well, there were still a lot of mistakes that we need to work on, such as rushing as soon as we win the ball from the interception. Overall we did well and a good job to Stella for getting OPOM.
25-12
Essex Open win 
Essex Open 75 Eclipse 46
Essex Open clinched the Regional League Division 2 championship with an emphatic 75-46 win over Eclipse. This is a deserved reward for a magnificent season in which they have only lost one game and have recorded victory in 12 others. With one game to go, Essex cannot be caught and have secured the title.
Essex started this game well and with barely a quarter of the first period had established a 6-2 lead. Essex were dominating the centre court with Johanne Linehan, Jasmin Odegberin and Rebecca Wilks in excellent form. As usual, shooters Leah Hayzelden and Maddie Oshodi. took full advantage of the chances that were created. Eclipse fought back, but throughout the first quarter Essex held the upper hand. Although Eclipse had a very good shooter, the defensive duo of Emma Shaw and Emma Thorogood ensured that her chances were limited. In particular, Emma Shaw made several excellent interceptions. At the end of the first quarter, Essex held a 20-13 lead. Any hopes of an Eclipse comeback disappeared in the first part of the second quarter, where at one stage Essex scored seven consecutive goals without response. Although Eclipse continued to battle hard and started to reduce the arrears towards the end of the quarter, Essex again stepped up a gear, scoring a further seven goals without response. To all intents and purposes, at half time the game was over, as Essex led 40-23. The scoreline meant that Essex were able to utilise all of their squad, and Olivia Edwards, Attrona Sebyala, and Nicole Alves all played a significant part in the third quarter. Indeed, this was Essex’s best quarter as they piled on the pressure and scored a further 23 goals against 14 from Eclipse. At the end of the third quarter, Essex led 63-37. Essex continued to make the changes, but in the last quarter, both sides eased up with tiredness causing lots of mistakes. However, Essex still won the last quarter 12-9 to give them a convincing 75-46 victory and the Division Two title.
Shaw, Thorogood, Linehan, Odegberin, R Wilks, Hayzelden, Oshodi, Edwards, Sebyala, Alves
Categories
Thrilling draw for Under 10 Blues
Blues:
Essex Open Blue vs Manor Met
Essex Open Blue produced a determined performance in a thrilling 6–6 draw against Manor Met.
After falling behind early, Essex Open Blues settled quickly to equalise and move ahead in the second quarter with strong attacking play and solid teamwork. Manor Met responded to retake the lead, but Essex showed great resilience to edge back in front once again.
With the game finely poised, Manor Met equalised to set up a nail-biting final minute. Essex played hard to the final whistle, with both sides pushing for a winner, but it wasn’t to be and the game ended as a draw.
POM: Connie
Categories
Big win for Under 10 Maroons
Essex Open U10s 20–2 Woodford Warriors
The girls did such a great job working as a team today! Even with only one shooter, they had to take turns shooting, trying their very best and it paid off!
The defence was great, gaining lots of interceptions and turning them round into goals. Great teamwork all over the court!
Well done girls!
POM: Willow
Categories
Under 12 Maroons at the Copperbox
U12M – Finalists at The Road to Copper Box (RTCP)
The U12M travelled to the Olympic Park in east London, full of excitement and anticipation for the RTCB competition ahead.
Poised to face Magic U12, a team we’ve competed against many times, we were filled with excitement and a hint of nerves.
With family and friends in the audience, the brightly coloured chairs and lights of the Copper Box Arena, the match was going to be magical.
Essex Open started with the first centre pass, however, we couldn’t kept hold and lost the ball almost instantly.
Magic quickly capitalised on our error and scored. Magic were fast, composed and played amazingly well, scoring 6 goals in quick succession.
Essex Open, slow to respond to the questions asked by Magic and the first half finished a disappointing 8-1.
With injuries in our defence to be managed, we quickly substituted and changed the team around and began to play our game, giving Magic a good contest, matching them goal for goal in short bursts. Ultimately, Magic were too strong and quick for us. The game ended with Magic winning 23-10.
Although not the results we wanted at the finals, who would have thought it would have been this good, that way back on 3rd January when we all slumped out of our Christmas-New Years’ haze, to begin the quest to become finalists at the Copper Box tournament, an opportunity to experience playing on a Superleague netball court.
All the players, winners and runner’s up received a medal (we’re all finalists afterall) and walked onto the court at the half-time between London Pulse and Nottingham Forest, to be recognised for making it this far.
This was an experience that very few can say they’ve done.
Well done U12M
OPOM – Stella
Roundwood 39, Essex Open 58.
This was another excellent performance from Essex Open, which means that if they beat Eclipse next Saturday, they will be officially crowned champions of Regional Division 2. Essex started the game slowly and allowed Roundwood to capitalise on some uncharacteristic mistakes to take an early 4-2 lead. However, Essex soon got back into their stride and the centre court trio of Joanne Lynam, Jasmine Ojebarin and Rebecca Wilkes started to dominate play. Such was their dominance that Essex scored 12 goals with Roundwood managing only two in response. In the shooting circle, Leah Hazelden and Maddie Oshodi were displaying their normal accuracy to give Essex a 15-8 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter followed a similar pattern as Roundwood started on top, again scoring four goals to two in response from Essex. However, Essex dominated the rest of the quarter, playing some of their best netball of the season. Essex totally dominated all areas of the court as they scored 13 goals, with Roundwood managing only three in response. Roundwood had found it very difficult to break down the Essex defence where Emma Shaw and Emma Thorogood were outstanding. At half-time Essex led 33-16 and to all intents and purposes the game was over. The second half was much more tightly fought. With Roundwood making numerous substitutions throughout the second half, it was difficult for Essex to regain their momentum. The third quarter was more evenly matched, with Essex edging it 13-10. In the last quarter, Louise Akons was introduced at wing attack for her first regional game of the season. The last quarter was extremely close, with Roundwood edging it 13-12. However, at the end of the game, this was an excellent victory for Essex over the team that were third in the league. With two games to go, Essex are hoping to achieve a notable victory next Saturday to ensure that they win the league.
Here’s a cleaner, more polished version of your match report:
Roundwood 39 – 58 Essex Open
This was another excellent performance from Essex Open, leaving them just one win away from being crowned Regional Division 2 champions. Victory against Eclipse next Saturday would secure the title.
Essex made a slow start, allowing Roundwood to capitalise on some uncharacteristic errors and take an early 4–2 lead. However, Essex quickly found their rhythm, with the centre court trio of Johanne Linehan, Jasmin Odegberin, and Rebecca Wilks taking control of the game. Their dominance was evident as Essex went on a 12–2 scoring run. In the shooting circle, Leah Hayzelden and Maddie Oshodi were in fine form, helping Essex to a 15–8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Emma Shaw and Emma Thorogood were making it very difficult for Roundwood in the Essex defensive circle.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Roundwood again started strongly, scoring four goals to Essex’s two, but Essex soon reasserted control. Playing some of their best netball of the season, they outscored Roundwood 13–3 for the remainder of the quarter. The defensive pairing of Emma Shaw now with Johanne Linehan proved particularly effective, making it difficult for Roundwood to find any attacking momentum. Nicole Alves had come on as wing defence and soon slotted into the team .By half-time, Essex held a commanding 33–16 lead, effectively putting the game beyond reach.
The second half was more competitive, with Roundwood making several substitutions that disrupted Essex’s flow. The third quarter was evenly contested, though Essex still edged it 13–10. In the final quarter, Louise Acons made her first regional appearance of the season at wing attack. Roundwood narrowly won the quarter 13–12, but Essex’s earlier dominance ensured a comfortable overall victory.
This was a strong result for Essex against the league’s third-placed side. With two games remaining, they now look ahead to next Saturday, where a win would secure a well-deserved league title.
Shaw, Thorogood, Linehan, Alves, Odegberin, R Wilks, Acons, Hayzelden, Oshodi
Categories
Big win for under 10s
Maroons vs manor met – we won 31-0
Strong solid performance by the U10 Maroons.
The team worked really well together, putting pressure on the opposition and gaining Interceptions all over the court to keep the waves of attack sustained.
The Girls were vocal in asking for the ball with quick interplay transferring the ball from defence to attacking no time.
The shooters were on fire troubling the scorekeepers continually.
Many of the girls had opportunities to play new positions as the match progressed. This was invaluable learning for them and an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
The girls were in good spirits throughout the match and had plenty of smiles and laughs.
Onwards and upwards to the next match!
(Not sure who the POM was)
Categories
Under 11B 30 Marshalls Coral 3
U11 Blues delivered an excellent performance today, in what was a fast paced game, securing a fantastic 30–3 victory.
The team made a confident start in the first quarter, showing some good ball movement to take an early 5–2 lead.
In the second quarter, the Blues really found their rhythm. The defence worked tirelessly, intercepting passes and blocking the opposition at every opportunity. This relentless pressure, combined with some accurate shooting in the circle, helped the team extend their lead to 16–1 by half-time.
The Blues continued to build momentum in the second half, demonstrating great awareness and teamwork. High passes into space, good communication and confident long-range shooting made the play look smooth and effortless. By the end of the third quarter, the score had stretched to 25–2.
The team maintained their focus in the final quarter, finishing strongly to secure a well-deserved 30–3 win. A brilliant performance from the Blues, with impressive defence, strong mid-court linking play, and confident shooting throughout.
OPOM: Rose
CPOM: Anami
Credit: Narinder
Regional League Division Two
Essex Open 62 – Kent Club 50
Essex secured a hard-fought victory over Kent Club, a result which—combined with other favourable results—guarantees their promotion to Division One at the end of the season.
The opening quarter was closely contested, with both sides matching each other goal for goal. Kent Club edged ahead towards the end of the period to lead 12–9, but Essex finished strongly and managed to close the gap, ending the quarter with a narrow one-goal advantage.
The second quarter proved decisive as Essex began to take control of the game. They dominated the centre court, with Nicole Alves, Jasmin Odegberin, and Rebecca Wilks creating numerous opportunities for shooters Leah Hayelden and Maddie Oshodi. The shooting pair were in excellent form and capitalised on the supply they received.
Essex were particularly dominant in the early stages of the quarter, scoring eight goals while Kent Club managed just one in reply. Although the remainder of the quarter was more evenly balanced, Kent Club struggled to penetrate the Essex circle, where Johanne Linehan and Emma Shaw were defending extremely well. At half-time Essex had established a useful seven-goal lead, going into the break 31–24 ahead.
Essex began the third quarter just as strongly, producing some excellent netball. Midway through the quarter they had extended their lead to 13 goals, thanks again to strong centre-court play and the finishing of Hayzelden and Oshodi. However, Kent Club rallied towards the end of the quarter as Essex briefly lost momentum. Kent Club scored eight goals during this spell while Essex managed only three. Despite this resurgence, Essex still held an eight-goal lead heading into the final quarter.
Determined not to let the opportunity slip, Essex battled hard in the last period. Kent Club found it difficult to move the ball through the court, and every goal required considerable effort. Essex matched their opponents’ goal for goal, ensuring that Kent Club could not reduce the deficit. Essex were able to bring on Olivia Edwards and Atronna Sebyala. Sebyala made an immediate impact taking advantage of the scoring opportunities that came her way.
At the final whistle, Essex ran out convincing 62–50 winners.
The result keeps Essex top of the league, two points ahead of Claygate with a game still in hand.
Team: Shaw, Linehan, Alves, Odegberin, R. Wilks, Hayzelden, Oshodi, Edwards, Sebyala.