Stars travelled to Devizes on a wet evening to face Chippenham 2.
Missing their Captain Sophie Cox, Amelia Pratten stepped into the Centre position. Stars, who are sponsored by Dennis Maps and Wessex Drains were determined to come out fighting in the first quarter and try to establish an early lead.
They took a few minutes to settle but soon Amelia and Sheri Pleasants were feeding the ball into the shooters Hannah Dredge and Georgia Cox more fluidly. With some lovely rotation and quick hands, Hannah and Georgia held off Chippenham’s tall defence to lead the quarter 9-6.
Second quarter and no changes made to the players on court. Kathy Dredge and Sophie Garton worked tirelessly to stop the Chippenham shooters having opportunities to score, getting many tips and interceptions. The defence trio of Sophie, Kathy and Kate Smith helped bring the ball down to the attacking third, allowing the shooters plenty of opportunities at goal. At the end of the quarter Chippenham had made a fight to catch up, but Stars just held onto their lead 17-15.
Half time and Coach Sally made some changes; Sheri moved to defence, with Kate switching to attack and Alice Millard replacing Amelia. This worked well for Stars, with Kate continuing to feed the ball into the shooters and Sheri joining the defensive duo of Kathy and Sophie, who continued to apply pressure to Chippenham’s attacking players. A great display in all areas of the court and the shooters Hannah and Georgia really getting their eye in meant Stars extended their lead to finish the quarter 28-23.
With everything still to play for in the last quarter, Stars were so determined to hold onto the lead and get the win. Sheri, Kathy and Sophie continued to work hard in the defensive third, determined to get more turnovers. Alice and Kate continued to feed the ball beautifully into the shooting circle, allowing Stars to convert their turnovers to goal scoring opportunities, thus ensuring the won of 38 goals to 31. Player of the Match was Hannah Dredge whilst Kate Smith picked up the Players’ Player accolade.
