Omega Netball Club News

A rematch today between Omega 1 and Thoroughbreds in the second half of the East Region League.  A home game for Omega and after having lost by a close 4 goals in the 1st round, Omega are keen to maintain their winning streak and make this their 3rd consecutive win.

A slow and slightly erratic start to the game whilst both teams take a little time to compose.  Both teams falter and the first goal for each team is a result of a turnover won by their team, from which they secured their first goal.  A fair few wayward balls in our attacking play allows Thoroughbreds to remain close in score, but the team are clearly determined and defend well when not in possession of the ball, from mid-court to the defending circle.   Strong circle defending by Steph Winfield in the first quarter sees her win possession for her team on 5 occasions, which contributed to the win of the opening quarter, 8-7.

The team settle well in to the second quarter and once again their defensive play is on point, but this time starting from the shooters, right the way down court, resulting in possession being won for held ball by the opposition on a few occasions.  A more controlled attacking quarter too, as the team compose and display coherence in their team play.    Omega begin to open the lead in this quarter, but are aware the win is not yet confirmed and they have to remain composed throughout.  By mid game the score is 19-14.

The third quarter continues in the same vein with some fantastic defensive play by the entire team, rattling and applying the pressure on Thoroughbreds consistently.  This again resulting in some held ball calls in Omega’s favour and coupled with a clean attacking quarter with very few unforced errors, Omega managed to increase their score due to the 13 goals secured and limiting Thoroughbreds to just 7.

The final quarter and Omega are up by 11 goals at the start, but they remind themselves that the game is not yet won and they still need to maintain control and discipline to the end.  Superb circle defence by both Sam Abbott and Steph Winfield results in 9 intercepts and loose ball pick ups between them, allowing the team to secure a great end result of 44-38.

The defence this game from both the circle defence and the team as a whole, played a massive part in contributing to the end result.  The circle defence limited Thoroughbreds to only 7 goals each quarter and the pressure applied across the whole court, rattled the opposition and won many turnovers for Omega.  A slow start, but a great performance from all players, showing determination and fight to the end.  A great result for the team, which will alter their league table position favourably and holds them in good stead for the next game.

Thoroughbreds awarded Omega’s Player of the Match to GS, Georgia Quinton for accuracy in her shooting.  Well done Georgia!

After beating Hornets in their last East Region game, Omega were keen and ready to give their all to their second game of the second half of the season against MK Netters Gold at Flitwick Leisure Centre today.   With a squad of 9 present they were missing defender Hayley Kruse due to illness.

MK started the game and were very tightly defended and under attack from Omega from the off with a turnover on the first centre pass and a goal secured in our favour.   Omega were definitely up for letting MK know they were here for the win and displayed grit and determination in their defensive play with several turnovers won across the quarter.    Solid shooting from both Emma, GA at 100% conversion and Georgia GS at 90% (missing just one shot all quarter), allowed Omega to take the lead in the opening quarter…an old Omega trait that is on the comeback in the last couple of games.     A solid performance in the opening quarter with newcomer Sofia settling in to the game well at WD and Leah’s fresh legs at WA mid quarter ensuring the fitness is kept high to end the quarter with a score of 14-11 in Omega’s favour.

More fresh legs from Nicola Rantell, starting at WD in the second quarter and the team get back into the game in the same form as the opening quarter.  Nicola settles into the game well and soon makes her mark with an intercept.   Another display of controlled and disciplined play by Omega and impressive defensive play with 8 turnovers won across the entire team, allowing them to maintain the lead they started with.  Less unforced errors from the team this quarter too and  a further 13 goals scored between our shooters versus the 10 scored by MK.    Up to half time, the GA for MK had converted 19 of the 21 goals MK had scored, so a key player to close down for the 2nd half of the game.

The team are disciplined and again give another performance to be proud of in the 3rd quarter.  They displayed slick and superb linking of the ball from Lucy, Zoe, Emma and Georgia who have certainly began to gel well this second half of the season and know exactly where each are going.  The movement and ball control is superb to watch and proves difficult for MK to close down.  Another fantastic shooting performance with both Emma and Georgia at 100% conversion.  Likewise, on the defensive play, another tight quarter with 7 turnovers won by defenders Steph, Sam and Sofia, along with mid-courter, Lucy.   The lead increases yet again this quarter and Omega go into the final quarter 11 goals up and a score of 42-31.

Going into the final quarter, the team know the game is theirs for the taking, but they need to maintain their composure and ensure the safe ball.    All they need to do is maintain possession and convert on their centre passes and the win is in the bag.  They take the court and don’t disappoint with their play.   Another quarter of 100% shooting conversion and high number to turnovers, with every player giving their all to gain possession as much as possible throughout.       Every player should be as proud of their performance as those on the sidelines were.  A fantastic display of some very slick netball and incredible shooting.  Well done to the entire team.

MK Netters awarded a well deserved Player of the Match to GA, Emma Maidment, who had a shooting conversion rate of 90% and worked well with her team players to support the movement of the ball to the shooting circle throughout the game.

The first East Region game of the 2nd half of the season and Omega meet Hornets Orange in our home game.   For the first time in years, Omega have a healthy squad and we welcome newcomers Sofia Aldous and Leah Badham who are joining for the second half of the season.   The team are up for changing their position on the league table and are determined that 2nd half of the season will be a turnaround in their results.

A great start with everyone warming up well in preparation for game start.   Omega start the game but falter in the opening minute and Hornets take the 1st 2 goals, but Omega settle and a 3-goal run helps them even the scores fairly quickly.  The game is closely contested for the main part of the quarter, but several turnovers by defence players, Nicola Rantell, Sam Abbott, Steph Winfield and Hayley Kruse helped the team to take a small lead by end of the 1st quarter, coupled with some excellent play by all players on court.

A substitution for 2nd quarter sees newcomer Leah Badham take the WA position from Zoe O’Neill.  We see a little more congestion in the mid court and attack play this quarter, but nevertheless, some great links and play to goal are also on display and this will only improve due to familiarity with eachother.  Tight defending by Sam, Steph and Hayley in the defensive circle put pressure on the opposition with finding their shooters and again the defence win over several turnovers.   However, Omega allow the opposition opportunities to stay in the game with silly mistakes and they loosing the quarter  by one goal.

The team revert to as was in Q1 and return to court determined to change their loosing streak and they quickly settle back into their stride.  Amazing defending by GK, Hayley results in 6 turnovers from her alone in this third quarter against a very tall and prominent GS.  Although more unforced errors are evident, the ball wins by Hayley and Nicola during the quarter, contribute towards the increase in the lead once more and allows the team to play their game.  Some great use of triangles in the attacking play by Lucy Andrews, Zoe O’Neill, Emma Maidment and Georgia Quinton, displaying control and slickness in feeding the shooters who have superb accuracy to reward the team play throughout the entire game.

Going into the final quarter, Omega are 7 goals ahead but they know the game is far from won at this point.  Control and discipline this quarter are key and all players are fully aware of this.  They continue to gel well as a team, making great decisions and displaying patience to work the ball safely to goal.  Again in this quarter, the defence play is tight and the oppositions shooters are rattled.  Clean and seamless attack play and accurate shooting by both Emma and Georgia pay off and the win the team came for, is in the bag!

The final score is 55-49 to Omega and a well deserved win.    Player of the Match awarded by Hornets to GS, Georgia Quinton…well done Georgia.

Omega Regional team travelled to Norwich for their first round fixture against Thoroughbreds.   A different combination in the Omega defence area, due to injury and holiday means an unsettled squad, but a squad that is prepared to give their all.  Both teams, having won one game each so far, are keen for the win.

Omega start the game with the first centre pass and are quick to take the first goal.  The quarter is closely contended by each team, each taking the lead in the opening quarter and the game fluctuating in score, but a few errors in player communication as the team settle in the first quarter, sees it ending 11-10 to Thoroughbreds.

The second quarter starts well for the first half, with  both teams fighting to take the lead once again but each determined to not let their opposition take a lead, with the score even until mid quarter, when Thoroughbreds step up a gear and manage to break a lead in the final minutes, opening the score to 23-29 by half time.

The second half of the game begins with Omega determined to fight back to close the score and this they succeed with a step up in the circle defence from Stephanie Winfield and Nicola Rantell as they turnover and rebound several balls, winning possession for Omega, who award their play.   After a run of 5 consecutive goals for Omega mid-quarter, they close the score to 31-33, but Thoroughbreds battle hard and the next 4 goals are theirs.   Each team push hard in their play, but this quarter is Omega’s and they close the score to 35-38 to Thoroughbreds for the final quarter.

Going into the final quarter, Omega know they have to give all they’ve got to the end and know the game is within their grasp if they can pull back the goals as they did in the previous quarter.   Once again, Omega’s defence are on fire with 7 turnovers between Steph, Nic and Leigh, giving Omega the opportunities they need, but some unforced errors prove costly and Thoroughbreds take the game 49-45.

A well contested game by both teams throughout and a great performance from Omega having travelled to Norwich for the game.   Amazing shooting from both Emma Maidment and Georgia Quinton and strong links through court by mid-court players Lucy Andrews, Zoe O’Neill and Leigh Rees-Reynolds, supported by GD, Nicola Rantell and GA Emma Maidment when needed.   This was a game that could have gone  either way and with each team giving 100% at all times.   A big thanks to Leigh Rees-Reynolds for returning to the squad for the game, having not played regularly for over a year (although her play did not give this away in the slightest!). Omega look forward to the return match which next time will be their home fixture.

Player of the Match awarded by Thoroughbreds to C, Lucy Andrews…well done Lucy.

The first East Region game of the season and Omega meet the winners of division 2 last season so they know they’re in for a tough game with a brand new squad.

The opening few minutes of the first quarter and the Omega team are looking unsettled as many of these players have not played Regional level for several years and the return sees a nervous team.  They struggle to compose, allowing Hornets to storm a 9-1 lead in the 1st half of the quarter, but they regain their composure for the final minutes and claw back 4 of the goals, to end the quarter 8 – 13.

With the nerves finally settled, the team remain unchanged going into the 2nd quarter and this one is contested much more by Omega with the team demonstrating some more structured and controlled attack and solid defence.  Omega should have taken a lead in this quarter, however many forced errors in their attack play result in them winning the quarter by 1 goal, instead of leading going into the 2nd half of the game.

The second half and with a much more settled team, they all retake the court status quo.  The 1st half of the quarter is strong for Omega with many missed opportunities by Hornets and Omega claw back another goal.  However Hornets turn up a gear and retake the control of the game, taking advantage of errors made by Omega costing them the lead in the game at this point.  Hornets attack play reward their team with the goals and once again they increase their lead.

Going into the final quarter 7 goals down, Omega are keen to fight and give their all for the remainder of the game.  The quarter begins with each team matching goal for goal, but the use of fresh legs by Hornets, prove too much for the tired Omega team, who once again begin to error and Hornets are happy to knock up the goals on the scoreboard at every opportunity.

Player of the Match is awarded to GS, Georgia Quinton by the opposition.

The first Regional game after over 18-months of limited court time and Omega travel to St Albans to meet fellow Herts Team, Harpenden in the 1st round.   With a few of their usual team unable to play, Lucy Andrews and Laura Millard (Robilliard) step up to help out the team.   The squad for the game are Charlotte Ramejkis (GS), Natalie Faal (GA), Megan Pryde (WA), Lucy Andrews (C), Molly Brett (WD), Leigh Rees-Reynolds (GD), Phoebe Gillen (GK) and Laura Millard starting on the bench.

Harpenden take the first centre pass and quickly move the ball to goal to start the scores.  Omega respond, matching goal for goal.  Harpenden falter on their next centre pass as strong and dominating defence by Omega’s Phoebe and Leigh in the circle, forces an error and Harpenden loose the ball off the goal line.  A chance for Omega who swiftly move the ball to their shooting circle edge, but an unset landing at circle edge sends a shakey ball into the circle which is intercepted by the Harpenden GK.  Harpenden try to take the ball back to their shooters, but loose it mid-court as Omega force a held ball situation.  Omega have another chance and falter yet again on getting the ball to the shooters, but Omega’s GK wins a rebound which allows Omega their third attempt at gaining the lead.  Harpenden intercept the ball outside the Omega shooting circle and yet again the ball is taken back down court.  Both teams struggle to compose and retain the ball, but Omega’s GK, Phoebe is on form as usual and steals the feed to the Harpenden shooter and finally, Omega convert the goal!   Omega are first to break the 1 for 1 goal scenario taking 3 consecutive goals, but Harpenden are keen to show they are putting up a fight for the game, taking the next 3 goals.   The quarter continues with each team battling for the next goal until the final minutes, when Omega is on a roll with some great feeds from WA-Megan to GS-Char, allowing them to take the final 4 goals of the quarter, ending with a score of 11-8 in their favour.

As the team had settled by the end of the 1st quarter, they re-take the court in the same positions.  Both teams are desperate to get the 1st win under their belt and they compete continuously for goal.  As one team steals the ball from their opposing centre pass, the other responds on the next attempt.   A fantastic steal by GD – Leigh, but Omega fail to capitalise on their gain.   A determined quarter by each team, with very few errors by either side, but Harpenden manage to close the gap on the goal difference, ending the 1st half 21-20 to Omega

A change to the squad at half time, in an attempt to switch up the dynamics, sees Megan taking the bench, replaced by Laura at WA.   Omega start the quarter for the first time in the game, but concede their goal to the opposition.  This quarter, from C-Lucy, through to GK-Phoebe, the defence play is tight and several turnovers are won by all four players,  resulting in a couple of 3-consecutive goal runs for the team.  WD-Molly, intercepts a pass with great 2-hand marking.  All the hard work of the defence players is unfortunately offset by several missed shots this quarter, so Omega struggle to increase their lead, but manage to gain an extra goal advantage to take them into the final quarter with a score of 30-28.

A tense final quarter, with each team knowing the win could go either way and they have to pull out the stops for the last 15 minutes.  Omega start the quarter again and this time, succeed in converting their first goal.  Harpenden respond accordingly, but Omega manage to make the first break in the flow of the game to gain an extra goal.   Omega slowly begin to increase their lead by 5 goals in the 1st half of the quarter, but Harpenden do not give up and manage to claw it back to just 3 goals very quickly.    Omega increase the lead again by 5 goals, but the final 3 goals of the quarter are Harpenden’s, which secures them their first points on the scoreboard for being within 5 goals.   A battle for the win for Omega, but a win nevertheless.  Final score is 39-37 to Omega.

A good win to start the season, particularly the first Regional Match in 18 months.  Big thanks to Lucy Andrews and Laura Millard (Robilliard) for stepping up and helping the team out today.   Onwards and upwards for the rest of the season!

Omega 1 met Norfolk Utd in the East Region, division 1 fixture on Sunday 27th October.  Omega expected a tough and closely contested game as is usually case when these teams meet.  With Leigh Rees-Reynolds injured, Nicola Rantell steps up from Omega 2 to help in defence along with her usual team mate, Emma Faulkner, who is happy to take the bench, prepared to take the court if needed.

Norfolk start the game, but WD, Nicola Rantell is quick to stamp her mark on the game, intercepting the first centre pass, allowing Omega to steal the first opportunity at goal and GS Hannah Brown rewarded her efforts.    Omega take the 2nd goal, but Norfolk respond and succeed in taking the next 2 goals due to a missed shooting chance by Omega.  Omega apply the defensive pressure on the next Norfolk centre pass, forcing their opposition to error and the ball goes off the sideline.   Omega seize the advantage and once again GS Hannah succeeds in converting the opportunity to another goal for the scoreboard.   An attempt to feed the shooters goes astray and unjustly awards Norfolk with a goal line throw. Omega defence are keen to regain the possession and stand strong with marking the throw and turn over the possession.  The team take the ball to the shooters, but a footwork call sees the ball returning to Norfolk and this time they succeed in gaining the goal.    GD, Claire Daw marks her GA well and wins a rebound from a missed attempt at goal, which the team succeed in taking to GS Hannah, to finish off.   A force-feed by Omega into Hannah is intercepted by Norfolk’s GD, but it’s quickly won back by C, Lucy Hoskin in Omega’s shooting third and the ball finds GA, Natalie Faal who is the one to reward Lucy’s intercept.   A penalty for Omega, but it’s a tad far out and GA, Natalie misses the shot, but her determination in defending swiftly pays off as she turns over the play and this time succeeds in gaining the goal.   With 20 seconds remaining on the clock, Omega are a little hasty in trying to feed their shooter and Norfolk’s GK intercepts the feed.  Norfolk attempt to take the ball to their shooters, but Omega defend hard, determined not to allow their opposition to steal the final goal of the quarter and their efforts pay off as they defend well to prevent the final goal being made.  The score at the end of the first quarter being12-9 to Omega.

Norfolk start the next quarter and once again, WD, Nicola is hot on their heals, stealing the ball at their centre pass, but she is off balance as she attempts to throw and the ball is returned to Norfolk as quickly as it’s won.  However, their GA misses the shot and GD, Claire is quick to recover the rebound an the ball is soon with Hannah for the goal.  Omega pressures the Norfolk Centre pass as they defend well, which forces Norfolk to error and Natalie Faal gains the goal.   Superb 2-hand marking and timing on the jumps by GD, Claire, sees her win the ball as Norfolk takes a goal line throw-in and once again, the team work well together to take the ball to their shooters who secure the goal.  Omega take the first four goals of the quarter, which allows them to increase their lead and gives them a great start to the quarter.  They have a second roll of 3 consecutive goals shortly after, but Norfolk respond and fight back to stay in the game and they replace their GA after an injure call, which helps them to get on a roll themselves with a run of 3 consecutive goals and shortly after, another run of 4.  A fantastic feed from C, Lucy Hoskin to GS, Hannah to gain the goal, rewards the rebound gained by GD, Claire Daw after a missed shot by Norfolk.  The final centre pass of the 1st half of the game is once again Omega’s, but with only 5 seconds on the clock, Omega’s panic to find their shooter, forces them to error and the ball goes off the goal line.   The first half of the game ends 29-23 to Omega.

The 2nd half is started by Norfolk again and as has occurred in both quarters of the 1st half, Omega’s tight defence sees Norfolk err0rring and the ball going off the side-line, followed by Omega stealing the 1st goal, swiftly followed by securing their own centre pass.  Norfolk take the next 2 goals as Omega error with a 3-second call on the edge of the circle and are punished by their opposition.  Omega loose the ball in the shooting circle as an inter-pass is attempted over the GK, but the GK  reads it well and takes the ball in the air.  Norfolk take the ball down court to their shooting circle but their GA goes off the goal line in an attempt to gain a better position and isn’t grounded before receiving the pass.  Omega take the ball down court, but loose possession before reaching their shooting circle and finally, Norfolk take the goal.  Norfolk WD picks up a caution for persistent infringement and their WA calls for injury time and is replaced.  Norfolk attempt at goal, but miss and Omega’s GA, Natalie punishes their error.   GK, Phoebe shines as she reads the game well and intercepts the ball to gain another goal for her team.  A steal from WD, Nicola gives the advantage to Omega again by intercepting the ball mid court  and the goal is achieved by GS, Hannah.    Norfolk’s WD receives a warning and within seconds of the game re-starting, she calls for injury time and is replaced on court.  A much more even quarter than those of the first half of the game with each team contesting hard and securing 2 goals at a time in cycles.  The score going into the final quarter is 39-33 in Omega’s favour.

As has occurred all through the game, the final quarter is started by Norfolk and for the first time all game, they secure the first goal of the quarter.   Omega’s first turnover comes as Norfolk force feed their GS and the solid defence from Omega’s defence sees the ball go off the goal line.    Omega take the ball to the shooting circle, but an attempt at goal is missed, however they re-gain the ball for a second chance.  This is also missed due to a footwork call in the circle, but Omega defend hard and before the ball leaves Omega’s shooting third, GS Hannah wins possession of the ball and this time works is successfully to goal.   Some great marking of the ball allows Omega’s GK, Phoebe to steal the ball and the team play the ball well down court, with much control and discipline, however the shot is missed.  The ball is in the Norfolk shooting circle, but miss two attempts at goal and GD, Claire consistently as she has been all game, wins the rebound, but she is unbalanced as she attempts to throw and Norfolk regain possession and take the goal.   This quarter, Omega display great ball control and discipline, making sure the pass is on before moving the ball to goal, which they achieve consistently.  Some further pressure and turnovers from GK, Phoebe, GD, Claire and WD, Nicola who all work well together to keep the defence pressure applied to the end of the game, succeeding in turning the game and picking up tips and loose balls as a result.    Both teams kept up the tempo and gave their all to the bitter end, but a win of 51-42 to Omega is achieved.

A big thanks to both Emma Faulkner for being prepared to sit on the bench the whole game in support of the team and for Nicola Rantell for playing and giving her all throughout.   The entire team fought hard for the whole hour of play time and didn’t let up the pressure at all.   A well deserved win and won they have been seeking from the start of season.

Player of the match goes to WA – Molly Brett.

Omega 1 meet Hornets 1 in their first home game in the East Region League in division 1.    This is expected to be a very tough game for the team, with Hornets returning to the league this season, after relegation from the Premier League last season.

Omega’s starting line-up is GS – Hannah Brown; GA – Natalie Faal; WA – Molly Brett; C – Lucy Hoskin; WD – Claire Daw; GD – Leigh Rees-Reynolds and GK – Phoebe Gillen, with Sophie Humphry on the bench and Megan Pryde returning after a lengthy break, also on the bench.

Hornets start the game and succeed in taking the ball to goal on their first attempt.  Omega miss their shot on the first attempt and Hornets are quick to punish, allowing them to secure the first three goals.   Hornets set up a zone defence to apply the pressure and Omega struggle to push through it. They maintain their composure and work together to conquer the zone and the gap in the score begins to reduce.   Some tooing and froeing back and forth with both teams erroring pursues for several minutes in the mid to late quarter as both teams contest for the ball and force errors on each other.  The final 20 seconds of the opening quarter and Hornets centre pass is taken to goal quickly and converted.  Then follows the final centre pass of the quarter by Omega, but the time is very limited and they fail to get the ball into the circle to attempt the shot.  A decent start to the game from both teams and a score at the end of the first quarter of 14-9 to Hornets.

The team stays the same for the second quarter and some words of advise given by the coaches in the interval.  The team return to court determined to fight for the game and give their all.    Hornets start the quarter once more but an error proves costly, allowing Omega punish and take the first goal.   Hornets GK is told to tidy up her contact in the early minutes.  A missed shot by Omega and Hornets take the ball down court, but force feed and the ball is off the goal line.  Omega take the throw in and control their play, finding their shooter and securing the goal.   Hornets defend well at the centre pass and steal the ball from Omega at the first pass and subsequently score the goal.    Omega’s defence is tight and strong, resulting in a 3-second call on Hornets around their shooting circle.  Omega take it to their circle edge, but this time it’s their turn to force feed and loose the ball off the goal line.  Hornets take the throw in, but the ball is cleanly intercepted in Omega’s shooting third and they have another chance for goal, but they fail to hold on to the ball once more.  The final 11 seconds of the first half of the game and Hornets break on their centre pass.  Omega are quick to punish their error and secure the final goal on the buzzer.   A great second quarter for Omega, who have managed to close the score to just 2 goal lead for Hornets, with a score of 26-24.

After a great 2nd quarter, the decision is taken to keep the team as is for the 3rd. It’ Omega’s turn to start the quarter, but they loose possession on the first pass.  However, Omega’s defence in and around the circle are not ready to concede the goal and stand strong and determined as they have all game, forcing an error on Hornets who are forced into a 3-second call.   They are disciplined and patient in their play and determination prevails as they find the shooters who reward with the goal.   Omega are close to evening the score, but a couple of errors prove costly and Hornets take the ball to goal at every opportunity, which result in their lead opening once more and the quarter ends with a game score of 39-31 going into the final quarter.

A last ditch attempt to take the game and change the dynamics, results in Sophie Humphry taking the GA position, Megan Pryde taking the WA position and Natalie and Molly taking the bench for the final quarter.  Omega start the quarter but miss their first attempt at goal, but Leigh Rees-Reynolds puts up a strong fight and intercepts the ball to give her team another chance and they reward her efforts.   Omega take the first three goals and close the gap to just 5 goals, giving them a great start and a chance at the win they so want.  Hornets increase the lead once more, but a couple of  rare missed shots by their shooters sees Omega capitalising on the errors to claw back the score once more.   An exciting final quarter, with both teams giving their all to the game.  The final score is 49-41 to Hornets, but a performance by Omega that they can be proud of.  They fought throughout the game and displayed determination and composure for the entire game.

Player of the match goes to GS – Hannah Brown.