Lack of experience sees 3rd team miss out in close game

The 3rd team is a young dynamic team complemented by a couple of senior players and on the evidence of this match will continue to improve and challenge as the season goes on.

Starting in the shooting circle were two U16 players Fern Thomas and Elize Ansell, who are starting to form a very nice partnership together. Good timing and movement from them both led to plenty of opportunities and although initial nerves sometimes affects their shooting, this is something that will only get better as they get used to playing in the adult league.

Captain Jessica Roberts was leading by example at WA, working hard and making herself available for feeding duties in front court. Emma Hall put in her usual hard work at C, making powerful drives and also feeding the shooters well. Grace Thomas started at WD and put a lot of pressure on the Swanwood WA.

In the defensive circle Sadie Burch started at GK and her athleticism and commitment led to several timely interceptions. Due to two of the defence being unavailable, mid-courter Shannon Murray was handed the GD bib and she played a fantastic game, giving 100% commitment and putting real pressure on the GA for the whole match, as well as showing her usual drive up the court.

Coach Shirley Winsborrow made changes at half time with Pia Hooker coming on at GS. Pia scored some excellent goals and created space in the circle, but sometimes faded in and out of the game. Georgina Penny came on at WA replacing Jess who had taken a tumble and was a little shaken. Her good vision and quick hands were great on the final feed into the shooters. Beth Rolf entered the game at WD and had a solid start.

Meanwhile Grace had moved to C, and really made her presence felt as she became the main link through the court. In the final quarter Emma returned at C, and continued where she left off displaying good attacking and defensive skills.

For most of the match there was only a couple of goals in it, but in the end the wiser more experienced heads of Swanwood allowed them to pull a few more in from and hang on to the lead, although Club kept fighting to the end going down 39-33.

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