Today marked the first game of the season for our U12 Maroons, who are playing two years up in the U14 MET League. We knew it was going to be a tough battle, especially as we faced our fellow Essex Open team, the U13 Blues — and what a talented team they are!

The first quarter was a tough watch, with the girls going 9–2 down. But rather than letting their heads drop, they started to settle, their defence grew stronger and they began moving the ball much better. They just couldn’t quite find a way through the Blues’ strong defence into the D, going into half-time 16–2 down.

The girls didn’t drop their heads once. They stayed positive, listened to their coaches and took on the advice being given to them. Slowly, they started to break down the defence and create more opportunities, scoring another two goals in the third quarter while the Blues added six, making it 22–4.

Then came the final quarter — and they saved their best until last!   They found every last bit of energy and played some lovely netball together. We saw some fantastic team passages of play, with the ball travelling from the back line through almost the whole team and eventually into the net. The girls added another two goals, while the Blues managed three.

It was definitely a tough day in the office, but these are the games where the girls learn the most. It’s not always about the easy wins — sometimes the toughest defeats teach you the most. Today they showed resilience, listened, battled right until the final whistle and, most importantly, pulled together as a team.

Opposition Player of the Match: Goldie — for her fantastic goalkeeping and winning the ball back.

Coaches’ Player of the Match: Olivia F — for her great defensive work, and moving the ball up the court and off the line.

A huge well done to every single girl today. First one done and dusted… onto the next!