Hyde Park 54–54 Essex Open

An outstanding game of netball ended with the final whistle and the scores locked at 54–54. After four closely contested quarters, a draw was probably a fair result. Throughout the match, neither side managed to establish a lead of more than three goals, and perhaps it was inevitable that the points would ultimately be shared.

Hyde Park started the first quarter strongly, quickly establishing a 6–4 lead. Their main tactic throughout the game was to send long balls into their tall shooter, who had numerous opportunities to score and was often able to collect the rebounds when her initial attempts were unsuccessful. Essex, however, kept pace and dominated the centre court, where Nicole Alves, Jasmine Odegberin and Rebecca Wilks won plenty of possession to feed shooters Maddie Oshodi and Rochelle Reynolds-Blanche. Oshodi was in excellent form and rarely missed. Consequently, at the end of an exciting first quarter, the scores were level at 14–14.

With Essex playing the more accomplished netball and High Park continuing to rely on the long ball into their shooter, the second quarter was equally competitive. Neither side managed to lead by more than two goals, but Essex held a slight advantage and went into half-time leading 29–28. In defence, Renee Hurley and Emma Thorogood worked tirelessly to contain the threat posed by the Hyde Park attack.

As the third quarter ended, Hyde Park appeared to be gaining the upper hand. This was largely due to a series of crucial mistakes by Essex. Having been 38–37 ahead, Hyde Park scored six unanswered goals to establish a 43–39 lead. Essex fought back towards the end of the quarter, but still went into the final period trailing by three goals.

Essex were playing some superb netball and took control at the start of the vital fourth quarter, scoring six goals while conceding just one. Hyde Park responded once again, however, and the scores were level at 48–48 halfway through the quarter.

From then on, the teams traded goals with each centre pass, and with just 60 seconds remaining, the score stood at 54–54. Hyde Park had the centre pass and an opportunity to snatch victory, but they lost possession and Essex took control. Essex then surrendered the ball themselves, before regaining possession during a scrappy final minute.

In the dying seconds, Essex were awarded a penalty shot from the edge of the area that could have secured a dramatic victory. Unfortunately, the attempt was missed, and the final whistle confirmed a 54–54 draw.

After such a closely fought and entertaining contest, sharing the points was probably a fair result.

Hurley, Thorogood, Alves, Odeogberin, R Wilks, Reynolds-Blanche,Oshodi, Mahoney, Biss,Mead