1st VII v Ranby House Won 27-8

Players of the match : Lily S and Olivia C

Well done today girls, a good result even though the team were not on 100% form.  We had illnesses, tiredness and injury that hit the team but we still went out to perform with confidence.  In the first quarter, the team went out and in the first seven minutes of the game, S. Anselm’s went 7 – 0 ahead. Olivia C and Arabella H were outstanding.  Lily S cut forward and delivered the first time pass with confidence and skill.  It was a super lead and it was important to maintain it.  In the second quarter, it was certainly not S. Anselm’s quarter, players were looking out of position and we were not focussed.  It was as if a different team had walked onto court.  However, we still managed to maintain the lead, Chloe R-S, Lily S and Nancy S keeping control of the game and ensured the first time ball up into the attack circle.  The third quarter, again was certainly in favour of S. Anselm’s, there were plenty of good breaks in play and Olivia C, Arabella H and Lily S certainly controlled the game with their passing and excellent shooting. Nancy S marked tightly and gained possession well.  In the final quarter, Ranby certainly put up a fight and they were a solid side and marked S. Anselm’s well.  However, S. Anselm’s battled on and despite not firing on all cylinders, they came out on top. Emma H and Annabel G-P marked well and encouraged the long loopy pass, gaining breaks in attacking play for S. Anselm’s. Today was a huge learning curve, the game is not over until the final whistle goes.  It is important that all players focus and play their own game.  They must think what their role is in the game and deliver depending upon the game situation.  On a huge positive note, when S. Anselm’s gained possession in attack we looked electric, we now need to focus on defending both on and off the ball.  However, everyone will be so much more refreshed, fit and healthy after half term! Well done girls on a fine win today.  Thank you to our parents for their support, it is great to see you on the sidelines.  A huge thank you to the girls for their magnificent singing in the minibus on the way home – great preparation for the music tour to Dublin!! 

MPN