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.