Omega Regional team travelled to Norwich for their first round fixture against Thoroughbreds. A different combination in the Omega defence area, due to injury and holiday means an unsettled squad, but a squad that is prepared to give their all. Both teams, having won one game each so far, are keen for the win.
Omega start the game with the first centre pass and are quick to take the first goal. The quarter is closely contended by each team, each taking the lead in the opening quarter and the game fluctuating in score, but a few errors in player communication as the team settle in the first quarter, sees it ending 11-10 to Thoroughbreds.
The second quarter starts well for the first half, with both teams fighting to take the lead once again but each determined to not let their opposition take a lead, with the score even until mid quarter, when Thoroughbreds step up a gear and manage to break a lead in the final minutes, opening the score to 23-29 by half time.
The second half of the game begins with Omega determined to fight back to close the score and this they succeed with a step up in the circle defence from Stephanie Winfield and Nicola Rantell as they turnover and rebound several balls, winning possession for Omega, who award their play. After a run of 5 consecutive goals for Omega mid-quarter, they close the score to 31-33, but Thoroughbreds battle hard and the next 4 goals are theirs. Each team push hard in their play, but this quarter is Omega’s and they close the score to 35-38 to Thoroughbreds for the final quarter.
Going into the final quarter, Omega know they have to give all they’ve got to the end and know the game is within their grasp if they can pull back the goals as they did in the previous quarter. Once again, Omega’s defence are on fire with 7 turnovers between Steph, Nic and Leigh, giving Omega the opportunities they need, but some unforced errors prove costly and Thoroughbreds take the game 49-45.
A well contested game by both teams throughout and a great performance from Omega having travelled to Norwich for the game. Amazing shooting from both Emma Maidment and Georgia Quinton and strong links through court by mid-court players Lucy Andrews, Zoe O’Neill and Leigh Rees-Reynolds, supported by GD, Nicola Rantell and GA Emma Maidment when needed. This was a game that could have gone either way and with each team giving 100% at all times. A big thanks to Leigh Rees-Reynolds for returning to the squad for the game, having not played regularly for over a year (although her play did not give this away in the slightest!). Omega look forward to the return match which next time will be their home fixture.
Player of the Match awarded by Thoroughbreds to C, Lucy Andrews…well done Lucy.