An indoor game was a pleasant welcome for both teams on a what felt like a wintery Saturday morning. Wandsworth A’s went into the game knowing their opponent was going to be both quick and physical. Great movement in the attacking circle saw Emma practicing some excellent front holds and Livi consistently running the base line. Jen’s feeds into the circle we’re accurate and precise. The match play felt even throughout the quarter which was reflected in the score finishing 10-10.

The pace continued into the second quarter with both teams attempting to pull into the lead. Wandsworth’s defence down the court was extremely strong with everyone tight on their players. Leanne made it increasingly difficult for Omega’s circle players to easily get a goal and Keri made a number of swift interceptions throughout the mid court. The half time score remained even with Omega only one goal up, 21-22.

After an encouraging team talk at half time from Captain Laura, Wandsworth went into the third quarter energised. Sophie continued to put pressure on defensively in the mid-court. The third quarter saw Wandsworth start to get into their stride and play some seamless netball. Omega struggled to keep up with the pace and the quarter ended with Wandsworth in the lead 34-31.

The final quarter saw some slight changes in the circle. Sophie moved swiftly around the D and Tara made a number impressive interceptions. Unfortunately, Wandsworth made a few mistakes which Omega capitalised on and turned into goals. The last quarter saw some great netball from both teams which unfortunately meant that Wandsworth lost the lead and ended the game 42-44.
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Wandsworth B vs. Warren A: 32-29 (by Anna)
Anna, Ten, Kiran, Ellie, Zoe, Holly, Liv, Dani
POM: Dani
PP: Liv

The rain conveniently went from light to torrential right in time for the Bs game this weekend. This along with a desolate SHS and no opposition to be seen until 5 mins before the game, it didn't feel like the most energetic start. Poor Ellie wasn't feeling well so along with Caiti they provided some much needed sideline support. We took to the court with a focus on short passes and possession netball, which clicked right away, scoring the first few consecutive centres. Warren turned it up and we finished the quarter 8-8.

The second quarter saw much of the same. With courts like a lake and an equally slippery ball, unforced errors kept the game slow, ending 16-16 at half time. With a switch up seeing Ten to GA and Ellie to WA, we set a target to pull ahead in this quarter and succeeded to finish 24-21 up.

The last quarter gave us a chance to try some zone defence, which took a while to get into and only resulted in one (brilliant) intercept from Liv so Holly called us to switch back to man-on. This worked, and we pulled back our lead to finish 32-29. This game was really all about the defence, Dani and Liv worked tirelessly in the circle, forcing long balls and getting tips and intercepts all over the shop - resulting in well deserved POM and PP!

Well played girls, we toughed it out and got the win after losing to Warren late last season.
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Wandsworth C vs. All Stars: 44-35 (by Hannah)
Anna, Faye, Hannah, Harri, Max, Anneka, Jules, Amy, Imo
POM: Imo
PP: Amy

We started the game knowing it was going to be a very physical one so we went on there with our heads in the zone. We put a lot of pressure on their attacking centres with a strong zonal defence with Faye and Anna just picking off the interceptions meaning we were able to take a convincing lead in the first quarter with Amy and Imo not missing a shot! The first quarter we were up by 7 goals 12- 5.

The second quarter our aim was to keep a lot of pressure on the All Stars attack and keep them high up the court. Anneka, Jules and Harri bringing the ball down court into Amy and Imo putting up some great shots and going for every rebound. We remained 7 goals up. 21-14 half time.

We were aiming on increasing our lead further in the third quarter but some errors were creeping in and the All Stars shooter was starting to find her groove and their defence were really putting the pressure on our shooters. However, we were still keeping the pressure on with Amy making some flying interceptions up the court to turn it over. Unfortunately with some very questionable umpiring decisions against our defence All Stars closed in on us finishing the third quarter at 33-29.

At quarter time we got refocused – Harri telling the team to keep their attack up high to avoid them sending in the high ball to their shooter and to not let their constant negative comments get to us. We started the quarter all guns blazing with a few goals and turnovers to increase our lead once again. Defence were putting great pressure on All Stars causing them to make a few bad passes and picking up any loose balls. Defence were getting some good tips, centre court working the ball well into Amy and Imo. We fought hard for every ball and managed to increase our lead further. It was a great win which was thoroughly deserved by the team!

Wandsworth D vs. Whyteleafe B: 76-29 (by Becky)
Erin, Lauren, Fi, Emma, Anna, Fran, Chloe, Becky, Hannah
POM: Chloe
PP: Becky

No you haven’t read the score incorrectly, we did actually win!!!

Great efforts from all the girls across the court. Excellent defending, interceptions left right and centre, strong passing throughout the court and consistent shooting!

Here’s to the start of a winning streak (hopefully!)

Shoutout to Lauren for the below image, which has provided us with endless entertainment.
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Wandsworth E vs. Phoenix J Black: 37-35 (by Selina)
Rachel, Leanne, Tessa, Becky H, Rebecca B, Liv, Emma F, Selina
POM: Rach
PP: Liv

Despite waking up early in the cold and grey,
Our team had warmed up and were ready to play.
Compared to Phoenix our energy had set us apart,
winning our first quarter, we were on a great start!
(11-7)

Their attack had broke through our walls of defence
and with a biased umpire the air was getting tense.
Phoenix fought back and caught up speed
but with 1 point ahead we were still in the lead.
(19-18)

They were getting too close and pulling a lot of obstruction
which rattled our play and set us up for destruction
Some footwork and bad passes - we were rushing our game
which ended the 3rd quarter with our score just the same.
(28-28)

Last change in defence threw off our opposition
this was our quarter we were on a mission.
Great tips and interceptions from GD & WA,
we hustled for possession not giving anything away.
The last 5 minutes we were stuck in a draw,
then quick balls into circle we won by a little more.
Stephs enthusiasm off court gave us the drive,
to win the game at Thirty Seven to Thirty Five.
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FIXTURES

CNL Fixtures - Saturday 13th October 2018

Wandsworth A vs. Coombe (Home) - SHS: 14:00
Wandsworth B vs. Lifeline A (Home) - SHS: 11:00
Wandsworth C vs. Roundwood B (Away) - SHS: 12:30
Wandsworth D vs. HSBC (Home) - SHS: 12:30
Wandsworth E vs. Lifeline B (Home) - SHS: 11:00

Chairman's Cup Fixtures - Round 1
All on Pitchero - make sure to add your availability
14th Nov: Wandsworth A vs. HS B - Royal Russell: 19:45
7th Nov: Wandsworth B vs. KCLA Red - Brixton Ferndale: 19:45
8th Nov: Wandsworth C vs. Wandsworth D - Burntwood: 19:45
15th Nov: Wandsworth A vs. Roundwood B - Royal Russell: 19:45