Our second Regional fixture of the season and we’re already depleted with our regular GA, Emma Maidment having fractured her heel in the first game and Wing player, Nicola Rantell still out from long term injury, so new combinations are a must in this game. In addition, several of the squad have picked up illness since last game and are not in their best form, so this game has potential to be a struggle.
Omega start out meaning business, with a steal of the ball by GK, Mary Ogunseitan on Royston’s first centre pass and Omega are quick to convert the goal. Omega also succeed in converting on their centre pass too and this looks to be set for a great game for the small squad if they can keep their composure and stamina for the whole game. The entire team settle in quickly in this opening quarter and the tight defending play in Royston’s shooting third by all 4 Omega players in the area (Lucy Andrews at C, Stephanie Winfield at WD, Samantha Abbott at GD and Mary Ogunseitan at GK), applies pressure and forces many an error which Omega capitalise on. A fantastic start to the game with the new shooting combination of Hayley Kruse at GS and Georgia Quinton at GA proving their worth with shooting accuracy and availability and the first quarter ends 17-9 for Omega.
A positive team chat and the team retake the court ready to continue to fight for the win. Another display of composed netball from the Omega team this quarter, but on a couple of occasions, they struggle to be available for the centre pass and Royston win possession. However, once again some great defending play across all thirds of the court sees several interceptions, including from players in the midcourt (WD Leah Badham and C Lucy Andrews) and in our shooting third (GA Georgia Quinton). A superb interception from GK Mary as she is quick on her feet and takes the ball from the Royston GS and the team link well mid court to take it the ball to our shooting third, but the ball is lost in our shooting end and the ball returns for Royston take the goal.
Going into the 3rd quarter, Omega have a comfortable lead with a score of 30-18, but they have been told not to sit complacent and to continue playing as they have been so far in the game. This quarter, the shooters are on fire with 100% conversion for GS Hayley Kruse, scoring 12 of the 17 goals scored. Likewise the defence continue to apply tight pressure on Royston, allowing GK Mary to steal on 5 occasions. We also see great feeds to our shooters from WA, Zoe O’Neill and C, Lucy Andrews, which find our shooters with ease. GS, Hayley also intercepts a goal line pass by Royston with her long arm-span and she is quick to punish them with another fantastic goal for her team. An amazing quarter by all players, increasing the goal difference by 19 goals going into the final quarter.
The team return to court with a positive outlook and once again give their all to the game. This quarter it’s GA Georgia Quinton’s turn for the 100% accuracy in her shooting, converting 8 of the 12 goals scored by Omega. The strong defensive play continues in the same vein across the entire team and is tight, resulting in 8 turnovers, however these are matched with 8 forced errors in the quarter. The game ends with a fantastic win for Omega with a final score of 59-38 and the team have played their socks off!
An absolute cracker of a game to watch, with every player giving 100% at all times. Some wild and erratic passing at times, but when composed, Omega were solid in their play and proved a tough opposition.
Royston awarded Player of the Match to C, Lucy Andrews….well done Lucy!