Omega ER team face Harpenden in their regional fixture at St Albans today. Harpenden were demoted at the end of last season, so this was likely to be a tough game.
A ropey opening minutes for Omega as they struggled to settle into their game and Harpenden punished them for this, taking not only Omega’s 1st but also their 2nd centre pass and notching up the goals on the scoreboard. Omega took time to gain composure and play their game, but in the final minutes of the opening quarter, this was beginning to happen. The 1st quarter ended with Harpenden leading 13-9.
A much cleaner 2nd quarter for Omega as they applied the pressure defensively and gained control of their play and with that, possession. Only 1 forced error from Omega was displayed in their court play the entire quarter and they succeeded in limiting Harpenden to just 7 goals this quarter, whilst our attack play was on fire, with great linkage down court and interworking in the shooting circle, finished with great accuracy in goal conversion. This resulted in Omega not only closing the deficit in the score, but taking the lead for the 1st time in the game and by half time, Omega were leading 26-20.
Quarter 3 saw more great play with Omega applying their zone defence and maintaining pressure on their opponents. A couple of mis-communications in our attack play allowed Harpenden claw back a couple of goals and take the quarter 11-10 and ending the quarter 35-31 to Omega.
The final quarter and Omega are well aware that this game is theirs for the taking, but they must continue to play their game and not allow nerves and tension to set in. An amazing quarter of netball from Omega as the forced many an error on Harpenden across the entire court and Omega were slick in taking their won possession downcourt to goal on each occasion. A very accurate shooting quarter too, helping Omega to increase to a comfortable lead and a winning quarter score of 16 – 9 and a final score of 51-40.
A fantastic game, which built throughout the game with composure, patience and skill as the team settled into their play. A well fought for turnaround from quarter 1 to an amazing final quarter and great win, with every player giving their all.
POM awarded by Harpenden – GS, Georgia Quinton.