The U12/11 girls knew that their game against Read would be a difficult one. They made a positive start even though Read were strong and took an early lead. Bramcote managed to score a goal in the first quarter from a quick move from the centre court to Zoe, who dodged in the circle to gain a good shooting position scoring a great goal. Read surged ahead in the second quarter scoring goal after goal, but the Bramcote defence of Hannah Brice at GK and Hannah McClarron at GD (out of her usual position), marked well and made some good interceptions, helping to set up an attacking move. The centre court players of Ellen Wilson at WD, Beth at C, and Deeksha at WA, worked hard to get free and receive the passes from the defenders. They then tried to feed to the shooters, but unfortunately this is where it seemed to break down, as the shooters just couldn't dodge free as the Read girls were marking them so closely. Read continued to dominate the game but the Bramcote girls didn't give up and they managed to keep Read's third quarter scoring rate down to just 2 goals - a really good effort from the defence. In the final quarter we came close to scoring again but we just couldn't get it through the net and at the final whistle the score was 1 - 14 to Read. Depite the score line, the Bramcote team which consisted mainly of U11 players and an U10 (well done Ellen Wilson), did not give up at any point during the game and there were definite signs of improvement - they are beginning to move around the court better, realising that they need to throw the ball harder, and they played with more determination than I have seen previously. All good signs, but there is a long way to go. Well done girls - keep trying.