Match report by Jenny Atmore

Match Report:  Wokingham V Abbey (20/02/2011)

Score:  Win 43-41

Captain: Tracey Stone

Team Manager: Tracey Stone

Coach: Tracey Carter

Player of the Match: Hayley Blackwell (GK)

Team: Kelly (GS), Caroline (GA), Christa (GA), Sarah (WA/WD), Jo (C), Jenny (WA), Charlene (WD), Tracey (GD), Hayley (GK), Helen

After having lost to Abbey by two goals earlier in the season, we wanted to come back fighting for a win on our home ground and progress to second in the division.

Both teams had a panicked start, taking it a while for the first goal of the game to be scored.  We made some great interceptions and Abbey made a lot of unforced errors in the first quarter but unfortunately we were not able to convert them to a goal.

By the end of the first quarter and in to the second quarter, we began to relax into the game.  The defence worked extremely well, with great communication and reading of the game to make some brilliant interceptions.  Charlene was marking really well to put pressure of their attack for centre passes.  Our shooters were moving well and shooting from all distances inside the circle, making the score line very close (20-17 to us) at half time

Changes in attack were made at half time, with myself coming on as WA, and Christa coming on as GA.  We all had to work hard to create different options for our centre passes as their defence were marking very tightly and therefore making it very difficult for us to get free.  Jo had great fitness and strength, bringing the ball down from defence to attack.  Our defence put some great pressure on their attack, making them force some long balls, which were caught by our defence.  However their shooters were very good and shooting on target far from the post.

Coming in to the last quarter, we were 2 goals down (28-30).  Abbey’s GD did some amazing interceptions, making it difficult bringing the ball up the court to attack, but we realised this and all worked hard to dodge and drive forwards to receive the ball.  The shooters were holding well, allowing the attack to provide some great feeds in to the circle, many of which were turned in to goals, which made the score even.

Everyone gave 100% effort and determination to the end, with our defence marking really tightly, putting pressure on their attack and were going for every interception.  In the final part of play, an amazing interception in defence gave us possession, which ended in Kelly scoring the winning goal after a penalty pass or shot in the last second of the game, making the final score 43-41. Another great win for Wokingham, with Hayley being the well deserved player of the match.

Division 2 - Table