Sanders v Charfleet – 10th July 2008
1st half
After a few changes to the squad we took the court with Tracy (GS), Jo P (GA), Jo W (WA), Debbie (C), Kelly (WD), Clare (GD) and Anna (GK), so luckily we had a least one regular shooter. Jackie was on the side line with the camera in hand to take some action shots.
We had the first centre pass, which seem to happen on the rare occasion. We scored from this but then we were equally challenged with a goal from our opposition. This went on for the first couple of centre passes but Sanders started pulling away with the lead.
The on court play was excellent with Debbie utilising Jo W to make some brilliant passes into Jo and Tracy. Jo had her shooting head on and was ensuring that most of the attempts were netted. Tracy had some excellent attempts as well and managed to score a few goals too. The defence kept going and some great defending from Anna and Kelly with back up from Debbie. Five minutes before the end of the first half, a ball was thrown at force from a Charfleet player and accidently hit Kelly.
We ended the first half with about 8 goals in front.
2nd Half
Poor Kelly was suffering with the blow to her back of the head so luckily we had 1 extra player to fill the team. Everyone grouped together hoping not pick Centre, so we again took to the court - Clare (GS), Jo P (GA), Debbie (WA), Jo W (C), Tracy (WD), Jackie (GD) & Anna (GK).
We took to the court and everyone settled into their positions. Charfleet realising that Jo had again managed to select GA so Clare’s bright idea was for Jo to stay in the circle and Clare to come out. I think this confused the opposition as the GK stuck with Jo and the GD with me. Jo continued with some great shots and even I managed to get a few in as well. Everyone kept the fighting spirit up and ensuring that any rebounds that we gained possession was quickly cleared into the attacking half.
The team worked really well together and there was excellent passes and movement on court. Charfleet were no walk over, they were an experienced team but luckily we held our own and won, 27 – 21.
The quote of the night was from Jo P, “I spent the first half telling Tracy to move out of the circle, and the second telling Clare to get back in” .
Player of the match was awarded by Bev, to…………………Jo W, well played Jo.
Report by Clare Dixon 11.7.2008
Thursday 3 July 2008 - Sanders vs. Jade Gold
Lost - 16 - 22
Things were looking distinctly optimistic at 7.30pm. I had arrived on time - even Jo W had managed to get there with a minute or two to spare and our seven players were shaping up well against their zero. Unfortunately, Jade Gold did decide to turn out after all and the game got underway. I still remained optimistic, however, as we had good looks, charm and a very healthy age advantage on our side.
Jo C was clearly delighted at selecting C for the first half - and I must say that she did a very good job at keeping the game flowing. Defence were made up from myself (Lucy), Jo W and Debs. Debs dominated the circle with her height advantage(!) and she and Jo W made a strong pairing. Attack for the first half were Jackie, Kelly and Holly - all of whom combined well and kept us well in the game. We finished the first half basically level pegging.
Sadly this did not remain the case in the second half. Despite the opposition visibly tiring (heavy breathing in my ear being less provocative when coming from a vertically-challenged, middle-aged woman rather than a strapping, tall, dark and handsome man), we failed to achieve much in the second half. We eventually lost the game 22-16. I have no doubt however, that given our usual squad, we could take Jade Gold down in a league match without too much trouble.
Well played everyone.
Match report by Lucy Hurcom
