The penultimate fixture of the East Region League and Omega meet Eastwood, knowing that this is a key game and they need the win. With GA, Emma harbouring an injured ankle from the previous game against SAS, the team are nervous about her lasting the full game, but a backup plan had been practiced earlier in the week in preparation.
Both teams come out hard in the 1st quarter, however both are also keen to gain the win and the added pressure is evident with the number of unforced errors made by each team. But with Eastwood up 6-3 by mid 1st quarter, Omega know they need to compose and take ownership of the game. Great attack play by Leah Badham who is constantly moving to find the space and give options to her team when the 1st move is not on. Both teams are quick to capitalise on the unforced errors made by their opposition, but Omega succeed in taking a 1-goal lead by end of the quarter.
Eastwood bring on Rachel, a very tall GS in the 2nd quarter in an attempt to gain control of the game, however, Omega make very few errors in this quarter and the shooting accuracy from GS, Georgia Quinton is at 92% and this alongside some solid defending by the defence team, Hayley, Steph, Sam and Nic who gain several turnarounds between them, and great ball movement and positioning by GA Emma, teamed with the mid court team, Lucy, Zoe and Nic, allow Omega to open the lead by half time to 25-21.
Seeing that Omega’s shooters are on fire, Eastwood move their tall GS back to GK for the 3rd quarter. but this has very little impact on the game. Omega maintain control and composure in the opening minutes of the 2nd half of the game, increasing their lead to 7 goals, but Eastwood are not ready to concede the game and close the lead to 3 goals by mid quarter and down to 2 by end of the quarter, with a score of 36-34 going into the final quarter.
Omega return to the court, aware that this is their game if they maintain control, discipline and composure in the final quarter. The team are on fire and rattle the Eastwood defence as the score consistently increases in Omega’s favour throughout the quarter. Eastwood become increasingly agitated as the umpire calls punish them for lack of discipline in their defence end and Omega reap their rewards at every opportunity. Omega’s confidence grows throughout the quarter and it’s evident in their play and the final score of 55-44 to Omega.
A very well fought for game by Omega, who showed grit and determination throughout. A well deserved Player of the Match was awarded by Eastwood to GA, Emma Maidment, who was key to the success of the game, played amazingly and managed to last the whole game on an injured ankle!