MINSTRELS 44 TUDOR 30

It was a testing first quarter for Minstrels, as Tudor came out fighting with a well-rehearsed squad. Minstrels used this quarter to settle in with some players out of their usual positions, and Batanai playing up from Jesters.

A slight change in the shooting circle for the second quarter saw Minstrels pull back to only one in it. The pace of the game changed as they settled in to playing as a team. The defence held strong, with Emma Dury and Laura Snook working well as a team, intercepting many of the balls into the circle and fighting for every rebound. Batanai was a strong back-up, always having one eye on the ball, ready to assist in getting it back up the court.

The third quarter was the best quarter yet for Minstrels, who started confident and strong. Morale was high and they supported each other as a team. Beth Dury worked hard in GA, both in the shooting circle and defensively, to get the turnovers. Katie A-C and Beth worked well as a shooting team, constantly rotating in the circle, using the space well and fighting for every rebound. Tash Moss had an amazing game as WA, always being in the right place, with amazing feeds into the circle.

In the fourth quarter, Minstrels had another strong appearance, coming out fighting and never getting complacent. Charis S-P read the game well and was constantly where she needed to be, making brilliant calls on centre passes. Emma Weskin had a solid half a game at WD, getting many cracking interceptions from the centre passes, ensuring they got many of their turnovers. The game ended with a ten-second call and one last shot from Katie on the circle edge, which went in! All in all, an amazing team effort, working well as a team and fully supporting each other throughout, resulting in a well-deserved win. The Players’ Player was a joint award between Tash and Katie, while Katie also received Player of the Match.

JESTERS 42 MANOR 41

As a team, Jesters had a strong start, with everyone fresh and ready.

It was pretty much goal-for-goal as both teams fought to get ahead. In the final minutes of the first quarter, Jesters brought the ball down and scored three consecutive goals to go ahead, 10-8. The second quarter was a similar atmosphere, with excellent play from both teams. However, Jesters retained their lead.

In the third quarter, Jesters fell behind, and playing with the bare seven meant that they began to tire. Manor used this to their advantage and allowed them to get ahead. Jesters came off three behind and knew that they had to keep their heads up to bring it back.

In the final quarter, Jesters went out fighting and believing in themselves. Quins showed support, and this boosted the team’s motivation and confidence. It was a tight quarter, with nobody knowing the score, and everybody trying their hardest. The final score was 42-41 to Jesters, which reflected the effort which was given.

The Players’ Player was shared between Macey Newman and Becky Chamberlain, and Batanai received Player of the Match.

Laura Snook