On Friday 26th April, the Girls netball team headed down for their final match of the season, against none other than the boys Basketball team the Shiplake ‘Tropics’. As the game began, the girls made sure they did not become overconfident; having heard the boys had been training for the match. The ball began to move up and down the court very fast due to quick and slightly panic-driven play. However, the girls soon gained control of the court and despite loosing possession to the ‘Tropics’ ended the first quarter 5-1.
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| A good telling off requires a straight face! |
As the second quarter started the Tropics began to pick up on the rules and the play became a little more equally based, with the Tropics taking advantage of the fast play and scored another goal thanks to Will Lewis and George Davis in attack. However, the girls were able to keep up with the boys and a further two goals were scored by Anna Proctor and Sophie Arnold, leaving the half time score at 7-2.
This fast pace and high competitive level continued on for the third quarter and the boys despite being constantly called up for footwork and contact managed to work their way around Molly Thorp and Alice’s White tight defence to score three more goals. However, Molly and Alice soon too back control and through good centre play from Rose Parker, Sammy Hildred and myself, the ball was passed back to the attack at the quarter ended 9-5 to the girls.
As the fourth and final quarter began, the play became messy and panicked as both teams strove to score. However, only one goal was scored by the girls and none from the boys, leaving the score at 10-5.
However, after high demand from the Tropics for one last quarter to redeem themselves, play stated again and the Tropics with a match-worth of experience took the girls, who had become over-confident, by surprise and scored a quick four goals. However, this was not quite enough to beat the netball team who stole back the boys victory and ended the match, finally at 13-9.
Well done to all the players, especially the boys who took their loss well. Thanks to Lou Porter for refereeing and to Sammy and Anna for organising the match.
Written by Trudi Lister
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| Smiles all round - sign of a good game! |
