First match back after Christmas and the As took on our Met table rivals, Karisma A. We had already played them twice this season - losing one (narrowly) and winning one. We knew that it was going to be a tough and physical match, but knowing that we are are the better team and feeling fully recharged after the Christmas break, we hit the court confident of the win.

We were super solid in the first quarter. In attack, we were patient and steady in working the ball down the Court to the shooters. New combo, Anna J and Bex, worked well in the circle, getting in front of some very tall Karisma defenders. Defensively, we made life tough for Karisma - putting huge pressure on every Karisma ball all the way down the Court . We took the first quarter 13 - 7.

No changes and more of the same in the second quarter, meant that we went into half time leading 21 -11.

We brought on some fresh legs at half time, with Cara stepping into WA. The team continued its defensive hustle, allowing Claire and Elka to pick off loads of Karisma balls. Awesome pressure in the defensive D meant that it was taking Karisma an age to get a shot off and Claire and Elka cleaned up with some great rebounds. The attack continued to flow and by the end of the quarter, we had extended our lead by 5.

Last quarter and we were keen to see out the win (and improve our goal difference). We went pretty much toe for toe with Karisma in this quarter and took the win 39 - 24!

Overall, it was an intense and solid game and the defensive pressure over every ball was awesome throughout the match. Karisma are a good team, but we controlled the game and didn't allow them to settle into their groove or score an easy goal. A great team performance from the As and the perfect start to the year! Well done to Claire for getting POM and Jen for PP and thanks to Anna J for stepping up.

Match details

Match date

Sat 06 Jan 2018

Kickoff

13:30

Location

Shirley High School

Team overview