U11B v The Elms Won 8-3

Sophia D, Lulu J (vice), Jess P, Issy F (captain), Yasmin D, Grace F, Gabby N, Belen G, Karina.

Due to the delayed start, the girls were able to have a good warm up and brush up on their passing and positioning. This meant when they got on the court they were rearing to go and stole the first centre pass from the opposition. They jumped straight into the game looking confident and working well together. Although the centre passes were weak they were able to keep the ball and with some good passing from Lulu, Gabby and Jess it was not long before the ball was jumping through the net!

Our defence played superbly, which was reflected in the score at half time being 8-1. This increasing lead was not only due to the team work in the D between Issy and Jess but also thanks to our solid defence, Belen and Gabby, that were constantly marking and intercepting the ball. I could see the opposition were becoming frustrated at their inability to get around our defence and it resulted in their play becoming increasingly more physical. It is at this point I must congratulate the girls on staying professional throughout the match and continuing to uphold the high standard of conduct and attitude we expect of them.

After a quick team talk we began the second half and Grace came storming onto the court full of energy. The team needed this new lease of life as the passing and energy of the game had deteriorated slightly in the centre third. This may have been due to the girls assuming that they had already won the game or they were trying to warm up again after half time.

The girls played a brilliant first half and throughout the game they began to find and use the space on the court more and more. This match also highlighted how good their footwork is and their increasing understanding of the game. The team has a strong defence, a good attack that are able to get the ball in the D and the potential to do very well.

Player of the match – Gabby N

Thanks to all the parents for waiting and supporting the girls!