The second weekend of fixtures and Omega meet Hatfield Merlins. With almost a full squad, missing just 1 player, we have several options for the game ahead.
A slow start to the game, with Omega struggling to compose in the attack end in the opening quarter and Hatfield are settled and familiar in their play, achieving a strong head start in the game as a result. A couple of team changes in the attack area in an attempt to change the dynamics and settle the squad sees Omega begin to find their stride, albeit a little late in the quarter, which ends 6-12 to Merlins.
The team retake the court in the same positions as they ended Q1, with only one change in the shooting area. The team work hard to consolidate and display stronger links in moving the ball to a shooting position and more accuracy in shooting conversion, which results in Omega closing the gap in the score. Coupled with tightened defensive play, results in 7 turnovers between defenders and mid-court players and the team manage to end the quarter 1 goal up, with a score of 19-18 by half time. They have also restricted Merlins to only 6 goals! A great quarter for the team with some steady and solid netball played by all players.
A more confident team after such a great 2nd quarter and the same setup return to court, but the opening minutes are very different as the team struggle once again to convert on their centre passes. Another attempt at fresh legs and a change to the team dynamics takes place mid quarter, but the team struggle to gain control. Hatfield are on the hunt and succeed in taking the lead once more. Not the best quarter for Omega, only gaining 4 goals for our score and not enough opportunities in a shooting position presented. However, the defence once again play a blinder, with GK, Jasmine winning 5 turnovers for the team and keeping them in the game.
The final quarter and Omega have some work to do being 7 goals down to start it. Omega are back on form and this show great composure and patience in their play. Every player gives their all to the final quarter and with the tight pressure applied in the circle defence, Omega win possession, control their ball placement and movement as they work the ball to goal. The team win the quarter 10-8, but unfortunately the slow start and 3rd quarter have proved too costly in the game and the team just miss out on 2 points for the table, with a final score of 32-37 to Merlins.
Some great play was evident this game, but some work to do to ensure consistency from start to finish, along with some areas of improvement to be taken to training. The team have great potential and with more games under their belt to gain the familiarity with each other, they will hopefully soon gain the win they seek.
Player of the Match – Jasmine May at GK. Amazing defence play Jas…well done!