Omega Netball Club News

Netball Match Report: Omega vs 4th in Table Hatfield Merlins

Final Score: 34-34

Omega faced a tough challenge against the fourth-placed Hatfield Merlins, resulting in a thrilling and hard-fought 34-34 draw. The game was marked by standout defensive efforts, moments of attacking brilliance, and relentless pressure from both sides, making for an intense and entertaining match.

Quarter 1: Defensive Interceptions and Precision Shooting (10-7)

Omega made a strong start, with their centre court defense consistently disrupting Merlins’ attacking flow. Key interceptions from the C and WD helped to turn over possession, giving Omega opportunities to convert. GA Leanne was in exceptional form, netting an impressive 6 out of 6 shots, giving Omega a narrow but deserved 10-7 lead at the end of the quarter.

Quarter 2: Circle Defense on Fire, Attack in Sync (22-17)

Omega’s circle defense dominated in the second quarter, making six crucial interceptions to thwart Merlins’ attempts to close the gap. Despite the height and physicality of the opposing defenders, Omega’s shooters kept their composure, converting 12 of their 14 attempts. The attack worked efficiently to bring the ball down the court, with the WD and GD stepping up to support transitions into the circle. This cohesive play allowed Omega to extend their lead to 22-17 at halftime.

Quarter 3: Pressure Takes Its Toll (28-25)

The third quarter saw Merlins apply relentless defensive pressure, forcing Omega’s shooters to take more long-range attempts. The increased distance resulted in more missed shots than in the first half, allowing Merlins to narrow the gap. Omega showed moments of brilliance but began to show cracks under the intensity, finishing the quarter with a reduced lead of 28-25.

Quarter 4: Fighting to the Final Whistle (34-34)

The final quarter was a tense battle as Merlins continued to apply pressure, making it difficult for Omega to feed their shooters effectively. Merlins’ shooters protected their space under the post brilliantly, securing rebounds from missed shots and converting key opportunities. Despite Omega’s best efforts, the opposition’s resilience saw the game end in a thrilling 34-34 draw.

Player of the Match

GA Leanne stood out for her exceptional accuracy in the first half, scoring key goals to keep Omega in contention. Her composure and precision were crucial in building Omega’s early lead.

Summary

Omega can take pride in their defensive efforts and attacking play in the first half but will reflect on how to better handle sustained pressure in future games. The draw demonstrates their resilience against a strong and physical Hatfield Merlins team. Omega will look to build on this performance in their next fixture.

Omega Netball Triumph Over Hornets: 42-39

Omega celebrated their second consecutive Sunday victory, defeating Hornets 42-39 in a gripping match. Strong defensive work, well-connected attacking play, and resilience under pressure proved pivotal in securing the win.

Q1: Early Lead
Omega opened with a solid 10-8 lead, driven by impressive defensive play with 6 intercepts that disrupted Hornets’ attacks all the way down the court. Their accurate shooting capitalized on turnovers, while well-connected attacking play ensured smooth transitions into the shooting circle. However, struggles to get out for center passes resulted in 3 held balls, keeping the quarter tight.

Q2: Building Momentum
By halftime, Omega extended their lead to 22-16, with their attack continuing to click. Precise connections through the midcourt and into the circle kept the goals flowing. Defensively, 8 more intercepts added to their dominance, though fatigue began to show with 6 turnovers and increased missed shots. Substitutions were made to inject energy for the third quarter.

Q3: Maintaining Control Amid Challenges
The third quarter remained competitive, with Omega holding their lead at 34-28. Periods of unsettle emerged as the team adjusted to the substitutions made earlier, aswell as fatigue impacting defensive effectiveness down the court, resulting in just 1 interception. However, the team’s determination ensured they stayed ahead going into the final quarter.

Q4: Close Finish
Hornets pushed hard in the final quarter, but Omega’s defence stepped up again with 6 intercepts and 2 rebounds. Despite 6 turnovers, Omega held firm to seal the win.

Match Highlights

Omega’s defence was a standout, with 24 intercepts across the game, while well-connected attacking play in the opening half laid a strong foundation for their victory. The shooters’ ability to stay composed and continue scoring under relentless pressure was a testament to their character and proved decisive in securing the result. Omega will now look to extend their winning streak in their final County game of the year on the 8th December.

A great day of netball today, starting with the County team at 9.30am, playing Sparks who were in 3rd position on the league table, so we knew we were in for a tough game. However, our county squad held their own, battling for every goal from their centre passes.  The scores were going goal for goal throughout the 1st quarter and with very few forced errors, and several turnovers, Omega kept composure and with patient and controlled play, succeeded in drawing scores in the opening quarter with a score of 12-12.

The 2nd quarter was equally tight and once again, Omega remained composed and contested at every opportunity.  Accuracy in the shooting and clear presenting for feeds from the attack were on display.  The defence were consistently strong as always, with the circle defenders closing down their opponents and gaining possession for Omega regularly.  Another great quarter from the team and another draw of scores, ending the 1st half of the game 23-23…a great achievement.

The 2nd half of the game started a little unsettled in Omega’s shooting end with a blip in what had been a very accurate shooting game.  This allowed Sparks to gain control for the 1st time and start to take the lead.  Again the team contended for possession and the defence were solid as ever, winning several balls, however Omega were not able to capitalise on these wins.  The 3rd quarter ended with Sparks gaining a 7-goal lead going into the final quarter and a score of 32-39.

In the final interval, Omega focussed on remaining positive and fighting for the game as all was not lost at this stage and the win was still within reach.  The team returned to court ready to give their all, which every player did to the end.  They closed the scores to 3 goal deficit and played their hearts out for the much needed 2 points for the league table.

The team displayed signs of greatness today and are growing as a squad with each game they play.  Their confidence and familiarity with each other is beginning to come together and the future is looking bright for this team.  A well fought for game by all and some great displays of netball from the whole squad.

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!

A new squad out for our 1st County match against SAS and it’s a fantastic turnout from the squad, with many supporters too.  

The 1st quarter of play is erratic, with players struggling to gain the familiarity of player movement and ball placement, whilst SAS are keen hunters and intercept on many occasions, gaining possession and goals to allow them to take advantage of an unfamiliar unit.   SAS take a strong lead by end of the quarter, with a score of 13-5 in SAS favour. 

Omega’s second quarter sees the nerves disappear and a more disciplined set of play with great linkages in the mid court.  The circle defenders, are tight and successfully close down the SAS shooters, gaining possession for Omega on several occasions, but the team are not as successful in gaining the much needed goals to close the gap in the scoreline.  

In quarter 3, Omega gain composure in their play and really begin to understand each other.  The circle defenders, Jasmine May and Claire Daw are once again on fire and gain many a ball as SAS attempt to take the ball to goal.  Likewise, the mid-court team are more alert and manage to secure loose-balls (a rarity for Omega) and intercepts.  This quarter, Omega match the play of their opponents and succeed in winning the quarter by one goal. 

By quarter 4, Omega are in their stride and once again they match the play of the opponents and the quarter is well contested by both teams.  However, Omega struggle to make the conversions on the much needed goals to close the score.    The game ended 28-39 with SAS taking the game.

Definitely a game of two halves, with a significant improvement in the play from Omega in the second half.  Some great moments of play, with excellent defence and the starting of players gelling as they get to know each other.  We see great potential for the season and future games. 

Well played all!   A well deserved Player of the Match is awarded to Jasmine May by the team, with all votes split between Jas and her fellow circle defender, Claire Daw….well voted team.