On Saturday our 1st and 2nd squads took to court in the North-West Kent League. After a minute of clapping – a fitting tribute to recent losses within our NWKL community – our 1sts took on Eclipse 2. A highly contested match, we started off strong, with the score going goal for goal throughout the first quarter. Some early errors from Eclipse meant we were able to recycle the ball quickly and sneak ahead to end the quarter on a score of 11-9. In the second quarter, the tables turned as we took our foot off the gas, allowing Eclipse to make a comeback to 22-18 at half time. Not happy with the outcome, we identified challenges and talked tactics. Going into the third quarter, we had much more fighting spirit, the game remained extremely close, with opportunities for turnovers available, we brought ourselves back within 3 goals ahead of the final quarter. 15 minutes to go and what a nail biting 15 minutes it was. We worked hard to continue to close the gap as defence continued to make some fantastic interceptions allowing us to reach level, but Eclipse were not willing to let us have a moment more of glory. Both teams fought hard to ensure that we scored from our own centre passes, with little room for error, it was goal for goal almost the entire the quarter. The final score ended on a tight 37-37 draw! Not the outcome we wanted but we’ll come back bigger and better next time! Player of the match went to Phillipa for her sensational work in defence, contesting and picking off ball after ball after ball – congratulations!!

Next up was our 2nds who took on Istead. Getting off to a fantastic start, we made excellent passages of play down the court and defence worked their socks off to turn over balls repeatedly, demonstrating the hard work we have put in during training to solidify combinations and units. The first quarter ended with a score of 14-4 to Sabina – a really strong start to the match. This lead gave us the opportunity to try something different combinations, work on personal goals during the match and really work on ironing out those finer tweaks we’ve been practising in training but this time out on the court. The first half ended with a score of 25-11 to us. Entering into the second half, we wanted to keep the pressure on, keep the turnovers rolling and dominating the court. We continued to pull away, with defence working hard and attack taking the ball swiftly and efficiently to goal. The final score ended with a superb score of 49-24. A brilliant win and goal difference that stands us in good stead in this new division. Player of the match went to Joanna for her super work in defence – plucking interceptions out of the air and being all over her attacker – congratulations!!