Essex Open 49, Leyton 45.

Defending champions Essex faced a tough opening match against Leyton, rallying from behind midway through the third quarter to claim victory.

Essex started slowly and quickly fell 5-2 behind. Although they briefly reduced the deficit, Leyton controlled the first quarter by repeatedly finding their tall shooter, who rarely missed. Essex ended a disappointing opening period trailing 18-11.

The second quarter was more closely contested, though Essex again began slowly and conceded four unanswered goals to fall 11 behind. They then gained more possession in the centre court, where Rebecca Wilks, Johanne Linehan and Renee Hurley supplied shooters Leah Hazelden and Maddie Oshodi. Even so, Essex trailed 30-22 at half-time. Tactical changes at the break brought them back into contention. Essex opened the third quarter with three unanswered goals, cutting the gap to five, before Leyton restored their eight-goal lead. With defeat appearing likely, defenders Renee Hurley and debutant Victoria Oshunremi, supported by the dependable Emma Shaw, disrupted Leyton’s attack and restricted their scoring. Essex responded with a remarkable run, outscoring Leyton 10-2 in the second half of the quarter to level the match at 37-all. Leyton converted the first centre pass of the final quarter to edge ahead, and the sides traded goals to reach 39-all. Essex then scored five without reply to take control. Although Leyton answered with three quick goals, Essex retained possession and closed out an important 49-45 victory.

Player of the Match: Johanne Linehan

Quarter breakdown

1.     11-18 (11-18)

2.     11-12 (22-30)

3.     15-7 (37-37)

4.     12-8 (49-45)

Shaw, Oshunremi, Hurley, Linehan, R Wilks, Hayzelden, Oshodi