Facebook Instagram
Sponsor Us

Author: Steve Wilks

Categories
Senior (1st)

Essex Open A clinch second consecutive title!

Essex Open A 68 New Cambell Green 49

In their final match of the season for Essex Open, A, the equation was simple – if they lost by less than ten goals, they would get the two points that would secure them the Essex Met Division One title for the second season running. However, Essex wanted to go through the season unbeaten, and in the first quarter, it was a titanic battle between the top two sides in the division. For the first three quarters of the first quarter, there was not more than a single goal between the two sides. Campbell then edged ahead, 10-8, but once again Essex fought back. Maddie Oshodi and Leah Hayelden were in tremendous form in the circle and were well supported by the rest of the side. At the end of the quarter, Essex edged in front to lead 16-14. Once again, in the early stages of  the second quarter the sides were well matched and Emma Shaw and Rene Hurley were battling hard in the defensive circle against a tall shooter who rarely missed and took advantage of the long balls that were put into her. In the centre court, Rebecca Wilks, Johanne Linehan and Nicole Alves. were battling hard to keep Essex on terms. Towards the end of the quarter, Essex edged ahead, and at halftime Essex held a five-goal lead.

New Campbell were unfortunate in losing their goalkeeper to a freak injury when she collided with a post, but this meant Essex, and in particular Hazelden and Oshodi, were able to dominate the attacking circle. In the first part of the second half, Essex continued to take advantage of their centre pass, which made it very difficult for New Cambell to get back in the game. Although they battled hard in the first part of the quarter, in the second part of the quarter Essex accelerated ahead, and with the whistle going for the end of the third quarter, the title was effectively theirs as they led 46-37. Another unfortunate injury to the Campbell goal-shooter meant there was no way back for Campbell, and in the last quarter Essex really took the game away from Cambell, playing some excellent netball and taking full advantage of the unfortunate injuries suffered by their opponents. In the last quarter, Essex scored 21 goals against 11 from Cambell to ensure an excellent 67-48 victory and secure a second consecutive Met League title. A special mention for Emma Shaw playing her last game who has been a model of consistency throughout the season. She will be sorely missed.

Shaw, Hurley, Alves, Linehan, R Wilks, Hayzelden and Oshodi

Categories
Senior (2nd)

Essex Open B in last day thriller!

Essex Open B 45  New Cambell Blue 45

In their last game of the season, Essex fought out a dramatic draw with New Cambell Blue. This was a result that was scarcely believable halfway through the first quarter. Essex started the game very poorly and soon found themselves 6-0 down within a few minutes. Although they started to claw themselves back slowly into the game, at the end of the first quarter, New Cambell held a 15-6 lead. Essex started to play in the second quarter, and with Rochelle Reynolds-Blanche finding her shooting form, Essex started to match Cambell. However, in the second quarter, Essex only managed to make a small inroad into the deficit, and at halftime, Cambell led 25-18.

Essex continued to battle hard in the third quarter, but once again, Campbell edged further ahead, and towards the end of the quarter, held a nine-goal lead, being 35-26 up. At this stage, there seemed no way back for Essex, but two goals towards the end of the third quarter cut the deficit to 7 and ensured that the third quarter was drawn 10 all. It needed a super effort from Essex if they were to get anywhere near New Cambell in the last quarter. However, Essex started to play at their best and the opening of the quarter saw them score four goals without reply. Essex gradually fought their way back into the game until, with five minutes to go, they levelled the scores at 40 all. The last five minutes were very exciting, as for the first time in the match, Essex got themselves in front to lead 41-40, but with Cambell having centre pass, they soon replied. The scores then followed the centre pass, and when the final whistle went, it was 45 all, and although Essex had possession, unfortunately they could not get the ball into the shooting circle. This was a magnificent fightback from Essex Open B, and they deservedly shared the points.

Categories
Senior (3rd)

Essex Open C retain Division 2 status.

Screenshot

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

Screenshot

games.

Categories
Under 12

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

Categories
Senior (1st) Uncategorized

Essex Open clinch Regional League title

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
Under 10s

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
Under 10s

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

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

Categories
Senior Regional Team

Essex edge towards Regional league title

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
Under 10s

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)