U9 v The Elms won 9-4

U9A V U9A The Elm's Trent College
Wednesday 4th March 2009

Held at S.Anselm's WON 9 - 4

POM's Georgia R and Imogen C

What a super afternoon of netball. One of Mrs Northcott's highlights of the week! The U9A dynamic team warmed up with finesse and confidence. It was lovely to see the whole team listening to key advice during their warm up and immediately taking it on board. Captain Clare won the toss which enabled S. Anselm's to gain first centre pass in the first quarter of the game. In the opening minutes of the game it took S.Anselm's time to settle down and really understand their own positions and what was expected of them. However, the game started to begin once the passing improved and the movement onto the ball was delivered with more confidence. Georgia, Clare and Emily worked very hard in the attacking half of the court and the shots on goals were soon converted to goals. At the end of the first quarter the score was 3 - 2 to S.Anselm's. Gabriella and Beth certainly put the pressure on Wing attack and the shooters in the second quarter by marking their opponents well. Once Imo (GK) knew how to mark her GS, she most certainly took the coaching points on board and gained interception after interception. It was fantastic to see her dominating the opposing circle. Georgina in the centre court most certainly provided S. Anselm's with opportunities which put the team into a 6 - 3 lead at half time. Overall, a very impressive first half by the whole U9 S. Anselm's squad with also lots of encouragement from Yasmin and Amelia who backed up the team and cheered on their team mates on the court throughout the first half.

In the second half Amelia changed into Goal defence and Yasmin into Wing Defence. This change continued the strength that had already been created from Beth and Gabriella in the first half. S. Anselm's went from strength to strength and the passing, movement and man to man marking started to improve. The more match practice that the girls received the more confident and positive the play. Emily and Clare continued to have shots on goal and Clare converted some super shots from the edge of the circle, whilst Emily attacked the ball hard and gained super positioning under the post in case of a missed shot. The centre court play was outstanding and an absolute pleasure to watch. Georgia, Clare and Georgina highlighted great ball handling and drive onto the ball - all key ingredients for netball at U9 level. Pressure on the opposition came from the defence, Yasmin, Amelia and Imo were instrumental in gaining possession of the ball and sending the ball into the S. Anselm's attack with enthusiasm. S. Anselm's looked so confident with the ball and also enjoyed every moment. All players listened throughout the whole match to individual coaching points and the play improved as the match progressed. The final score was 9 - 4 to S. Anselm's and it was a great match with an electric atmosphere. The day ended with a little bit of extra coaching from Mrs N in the hope to improve the girls play for future matches. Thank you to all parents for their support and encouragement as well as the team photo's taken at the end of the day. Mrs N is already looking forward to the next coaching session / match for the U9 team - Keep up the good work and Well done to all players!