The sun shone brightly as the Under 12 / 11 girls warmed up on a chilly, but very fine afternoon. The game was to be played in quarters and the girls to rotate positions each time. Zoe Gillet (GS) captained the squad of 10 in their start positions of: Hannah McClarron (GA), Beth Bulmer (WA), Annie Deri (C), Deeksha Rajesh (WD), Georgina Newitt (GD), Hannah Brice (GK), Jay Lee, Lily Anderson and Evie Kirk. Cundall won the toss and the game began. The visiting team found their feet first and very soon scored a goal. This woke the Bramcote girls abruptly, who then began to intercept passes but Cundall scored a second. Bramcote girls now began to attack at 2-0 and Annie, Zoe and Hannah worked suberbly resulting in two quick goals from Zoe, 2-2. Just seconds before the interval whistle Cundall snook in a third with their shooters demonstrating excellent skill from anywhere within the D, they were quite impressive. 3-2 to Cundall.

In the second quarter Annie and Georgina were forced to work hard defending, while Beth (C) took charge of moving the ball up the pitch. Jay made some useful passes but the Cundall attack managed a further three goals. Their shooting was faultless even with Georgina’s dainty lean in to mark the ball. Hannah McClarron and Lily barely had opportunity to touch the ball (shooters) even though Evie was creating good space with her dodging. 6-2 to Cundall.

Hannah Brice played an excellent third quarter and she really earned her place on the team by marking well and attempting some good interceptions. With Annie back in centre, open court play was fast and Deeksha (WA) responded well trying to create scoring opportunities. Hannah McClarron, Zoe and Annie worked extremely well together in the centre court, but were struggling to get free of their markers resulting in Cundall scoring a further four goals, the last of which was scored standing on one leg.10-2 to Cundall.

In the final quarter both teams were looking tired. Georgina and Hannah had both fallen earlier in the match and were beginning to show a little discomfort, whilst a few girls were suffering from Cundall’s odd long finger nail. All the girls worked hard until the end of the match and held the Cundall team from scoring again so the final score remained at 10-2.

This was the first match I have seen the Under 12/11 team play this season and it was impressive to see how they have all matured as players and in team spirit over the past year. I would like to congratulate all the girls on a super game and wish you luck in your final few matches. I enjoyed the opportunity to umpire netball at a higher level (even though it was a little more technical than Under 9’sl) and was very proud of the Bramcote girls. Well done!

Helen Worton.