Stars 35,
Devizes
Harriers 28
The first quarter saw Stars, sponsored by Dennis Maps and Wessex Drains, start as they meant to go on, determined to get their first match nerves settled quickly.
There were a few nerves on show but under the guidance of their experienced Captain Sophie Cox they soon got settled and under way, and ended the first quarter ahead. Second quarter saw Stars come out determined from the first whistle. With the combined efforts of Alice Millard and Sophie feeding the ball into the circle meant Georgia Cox and Hannah Dredge could convert into goals. Georgia and Hannah settled into the game very quickly with excellent moving and rotation to create shooting opportunities. Kathy Dredge and Sophie Garton worked tirelessly in the opposing circle. Great communication and tight defence meant with the combined efforts of Sophie at C and Sheriden Pleasants at WD, the defence was strong and Devizes had limited opportunities to score. Half time and Stars had extended their lead. For the third stanza Amelia Pratten came on in the WD position settling in quickly with an interception straight away! Great movement and vision saw Sophie and Alice continue to bring the ball down the court with great support from Garton. Georgia and Hannah continued shooting on top form resulting in Stars continuing to extend their lead. The final quarter was not so fortuitous for Stars and they saw Devizes come back after making a few changes. These changes seemed to unease Stars and Devizes scored the first 5 goals in a row. Stars dug deep and continued to encourage each other. Kathy and Garton worked tirelessly to prevent the Devizes shooters from scoring goals. Making key interceptions and rebounds resulted in Garton being awarded a very well-deserved player of the match. Stars continued to fight back and although Devizes stepped up their defence Alice and Sophie continued to use great vision to find the shooters and pick up a few more goals. The shooters Georgia and Hannah made some excellent moves and continued shooting on top form resulting in Georgia being awarded the player’s player award on her debut for the team. The final score was 35-28 to Stars. A great result for the start of the season. POM: Sophie Garton Players Player: Georgia Cox.
Stars 30
WS Smashers 13
Despite the pre-match uncertainty of playing an unknown team, Stars set out with the determination to win.
The windy conditions and opponents’ style of play led to a steady start. However, Stars did well to adjust and adapt their play accordingly, working well as a team up and down the court.
Dominating the first quarter resulted in a 5 point lead of 6 goals to 1. The second quarter showed continual focus from defence through to attack. Sophie Garton and Kathy Dredge worked continuously in defence with tips, interceptions and turnovers.
With support from Alice Millard, Sophie Cox and Amelia Pratten in mid-court these turnovers moved quickly down the court to the attacking circle. Hannah Dredge and Georgia Cox worked in unison to utilise their space in the circle against a rough defence and were able to convert more shots into goals.
The second quarter ended with a 10 point lead of 15 goals to 5. Half time, Sheri Pleasants came on at WA, giving a fresh pair of legs and strong feeding into the attacking circle. Not their best stanza but support from the Stars players and supporters was however, empowering and encouraged the team to push on. Stars were able to sustain the lead at 19 goals to 9.
For the final quarter, Garton moved into the shooting circle, Alice to GD and Amelia at WD. Utilising Garton’s height to Stars’ advantage meant balls could be fed easily above the defence and shots were smoothly converted. Georgia adapted well to this change in the circle, with good movement and consistent shooting. Alice’s ability to adapt to defence and work together with Kathy was an easy transition.
Continuous pressure from defence in the circle and from Sophie and Amelia allowed for turnovers to channel down the court and into the attack. This led to a 17 point lead and final score of 30-13. Sophie ‘s strong support in both attack and defence led to the opposition awarding her player of the match.
Georgia’s hard work, movement in the circle and top scoring led to her being awarded players’ player, for the second consecutive week.
Stars are sponsored by Wessex Drains and Dennis Maps.
