Wandsworth B vs. Warren A

Wandsworth B vs. Warren A - 36-30 (by Harri)
Clare, Caiti, Harri, Nicki, Zoe, Julia, Hannah, Kiran, Anna, Andy
POM: Zoe
PP: Julia/Clare

It was an early start for the B's first home MET game of the season, and the team was out in force with a strong 10 available for the match.

We took to the court confident of a win (with last year's C's having beaten Warren A twice in their CNL league). However our confidence was short lived as the teams MET line up was significantly different, including the shooter from Coombe's CNL prem team.

The first quarter was wobbly. It took the new squad time to settle and understand the relatively new combinations. Although both Hannah and Anna in the shooting cirle were getting the goals in, a few fumbles and rushed balls up the court meant the seasoned opposition took advantage of mistakes, converting every ball, and ended the quarter up. 10-8 to Warren

After a few changes to the team on court, the second quarter goal was simple: strong defence down the whole court. Having focused on getting pressure over the ball in training, we decided to employ this tactic and force the opposition into making mistakes. This tactic worked. Nicki at C and HarrI at WD were holding their players up court which meant Warren were having to push long balls into the circle. These were being picked off like ripe grapes by the slick circle defence of Caiti and Clare. Decisive dodges by Jules in WA and Zoe at C meant short, sharp passes up court were running smoothly into the circle for Anna and Kiran to convert. The second quartery was a stormer, and the score line reflected it. 22-16 to Wands at half time.

More squad changes at half time did not rattle the team. The mid court pressure remained, with Jules making some incredible interceptions at WA. Nicki at C helped to handle these turnovers with ease, sending them straight into the circle to be converted into more goals by Andy and Kiran. The quarter ended with Wands still out in front: 30-23

The last quarter saw further new combinations, however fitness issues were obvious and the legs on court were flagging. Energy lulled, which the opposition capitalised on. Unfortunately this also resulted in Andy twisting an ankle badly. However quick switch in by Anna saw us close out the match still ahead.
The game ended 36-30.
A tough but positive win for Wandsworth B's.

Special shout out to POM - Zoe, and Player's Player shared by Jules and Clare.

Well done girls for digging deep - another well deserved win!