Author: Steve Wilks

Having defeated Vibrant in their previous regional game, Essex were able to follow this up with an excellent victory over The Downs. The result was achieved once again as a result of an excellent first quarter performance. From the outset, Essex outplayed The Downs. In the centre-court, Nicole Alves, Johanne Linehan, and Rebecca Wilks totally dominated their opponents. They were able to supply a constant stream of good passes into the circle which Sophia Sefton and Maddie O’Shodie took full advantage of. From the first whistle, their shooting was excellent and enabled Essex to build a substantial lead by the end of the first quarter. Defensively, Emma Shaw and Rene Hurley were both outstanding and made it very difficult for The Downs to score goals. At the end of the first quarter, Essex led 18-6. The second quarter was much more competitive and Downs came back into the game. However, Essex always had too much for them and although the scores were much closer, Essex were able to maintain their healthy lead. At half-time, Essex led 31-19. Essex made a couple of changes in the second half but they continued to pile on the goals. Sebyala Attrona was excellent in supporting Maddy O’Shodie in the circle. At centre court, Olivia Edwards came on and was soon heavily involved in the game, ensuring that Essex kept possession well. At the back, Essex defended so well that the goals virtually dried up for The Downs. With a quarter to go, the victory was sealed as Essex led 46-19. Essex did not let up in the last quarter and indeed started really well and scored 13 goals with a mere 2 in response from The Downs. Sophia Sefton came back on to court and continued to shoot well and Emma Thorogood, who also came on in the second half, defended very well. This was an excellent display by Essex and they fully deserved the points.

Shaw, Hurley, Thorogood, Alves, Linehan, Edwards, R Wilks, Sebyala, Sefton and Oshodie

Vibrant 37 Essex Open 64

Essex bounce back with dominant display at Dartford

After a tough defeat in their previous match, Essex Open were back to their brilliant best with a convincing 64–37 victory over Vibrant at Dartford.

The win was built on an outstanding first-quarter performance that set the tone for the rest of the game. Essex came out strong, scoring 20 goals to Vibrant’s 8. The opening minutes were evenly contested, with both sides going goal for goal, but once Essex found their rhythm there was no looking back. The centre-court trio of Johanne Linehan, Jasmin Odeogberin, and Rebecca Wilks controlled the midcourt superbly, creating chance after chance for the shooters.

In the circle , Leah Hayzelden and Maddie Oshodi were in top form, converting almost every opportunity and leaving the Vibrant defence struggling to keep up.

The second quarter was just as impressive, with Essex continuing to dominate all areas of the court. In defence, Renee Hurley was once again outstanding, supported brilliantly by the ever-reliable Emma Shaw. Hazelden and Oshodi continued to pile on the pressure, adding another 21 goals to extend the lead to 41–17 by half-time.

Essex made several changes in the third quarter, bringing on Rebecca Mead, Rochelle Reynolds-Blanche, and Emma Thorogood. The new combinations took a little time to settle, but Essex continued to control the game and maintained their strong advantage, leading 51–29 heading into the final quarter.

In the closing period, Essex pushed on and stretched their lead even further. There was also an opportunity for Atronna Sebyala to come on as shooter, and she impressed immediately with her sharp movement and confident finishing.

This was an excellent team performance from start to finish — full of energy, teamwork, and precision. Essex will be looking to build on this result and carry their momentum into the next game.

Squad: Hurley, Shaw, Thorogood, Linehan, Odeogberin, Wilks, Hayzelden, Oshodi, Mead, Sebyala, Reynolds-Blanche.