What a great display of netball from the Abberley first team. They are playing their best netball, and St Richards just could not stay with them. At quarter time, Harriet and Kitty had shot us into a narrow lead, but by half time our defence of Annabel and Melissa had helped us into a bigger lead of four goals. The centre court of Holly, Katie and Georgie had the game under Abberley control, so we made a few changes. Hannah came into defence, Kitty moved to centre and Matilda came into to shoot with Harriet. The substitutions gave us a further lift and by the end of the match St Richards had almost given up. The game finished 21 -10, and girls thoroughly deserved the victory with some great netball.

Player of match: Harriet

This had to be one of the most thrilling matches I had seen in a long time. It was a quick start, both teams trying to gain control of the game. Whilst we made some great attacks on the left hand side, enabling Elizabeth to score 3 goals, strong attacks were also made by their GA, whom was incredibly hard to mark, resulting in them scoring 3 goals.

It was in the second quarter, that Hereford took control. They stood firm in their positions and were very possessive of the ball. Quick determined play enabled them to score a further 7 goals against none to ourselves. Not good!

Our girls were having problems reasoning in their heads the deference between taking possession of the game and not being rude! Basically it was up to them. They either accepted the state of affairs or kicked themselves into gear and turned the game around.

They went into the second half on a mission, and I am not kidding! Alex worked incredibly hard in the middle of the court, along with Chloe and Isla. It took a while for Elizabeth to get her ‘eye in’ but she soon was on a ‘role’ and scored 4 goals. Sophie had switched to mark Herefords GA and was doing a brilliant job intercepting, as was Imogen as WD and Frances as Keeper. Hereford had 2 great shooters that rarely missed once in a position to score. This resulted in 2 attempts being rewarded with 2 goals.

Last quarter. We had pulled up from 10v4 down, to 12v8 down. It did seem achievable but it meant consistent hard work and drive throughout the whole quarter. Our girls pushed really hard and played ‘out their skins’. Nothing was going to stop them! Every goal scored was one nearer to victory. It was very intense, Abberley had complete control and Hereford’s victory was slipping away from them rapidly. Elizabeth popped 3 successive goals in, followed by a great goal from Chloe. Brilliant blocks by Frances at the back kept us on the attack; Elizabeth scored again. It was level 12v12 with a minute to go. Abberley were determined to clinch it and they did, Chloe scored with seconds to go!

I feel quite deflated writing this, it was a well deserved result for our girls who achieved due to determination and fitness. Alex Captained the game today and ‘The Team’ was voted Player of the Match. Well Done. Thrilling stuff!

The girls started confidently on the court. There were lots of interceptions from both teams and the ball moved up and down the court to either circle but without either team managing to score.

In the second quarter we changed some positions and although our defence of Katie T, Holly and Katie H remained strong we went down by 2 goals to 0.

In the third quarter we changed positions again to have Elise and Jamie as a partnership ay GA and GS, they worked brilliantly to get the ball under the post and Jamie scored 2 goals to bring the match back to a closer 2-3.

In the final quarter the centre court play was strong and accurate between Lilly and Abbie who found excellent space at her new position of WA. With an excellent long range shot from Elise and another one from Jamie we ended the match with a close but deserved win 4-3 Abberley.

The girls played exceptionally well and were a pleasure to take to the match as they all worked well as a team and adapted to play in positions that they might not usually play. The team spirit amongst the girls was excellent, a very good game, well done to all. Player of the match voted by the girls – Holly, Umpires player of the match – Elise.

The Elms came to us for a match today and it was in the sports hall.  The Elms got off to a flying start and scored within the first minute!  Once our girls had settled down they responded with two excellent shots!  The movement and possession from the girls was so much better and they were determined to win!  Some excellent play from Georgie and Hattie in the "D", both scoring well.  Alina worked hard in her Centre position as did Harriett W and Emily, all working their positions well and getting into space.  When the Elms challenged in their half the defence of Amelia and Kitty was outstanding and blocked them well.  Eva and Amy came on for a quarter each and both tried hard.  The Elms were a good opponent but the Abberley girls were fighting for another win.  The end result was 8 - 2 to Abberley!  Well done girls!

Players of the match Alina and Harriett W.