Frome Stars 50 Corsham 1 26
With a full squad of 11, Stars were looking strong from the warm up. They started the game with slightly new combinations which worked in their favour. The whole team were flawless, with feeds into the shooters on point, and defence marking tirelessly against the tall Corsham Shooters.
The team reports, “Half time saw almost the whole team change and Stars, sponsored by Dennis Maps, used their fresh legs to take advantage. Tips and interceptions were made by both our defence and attack, which meant we were able to take a comfortable lead. Our goal for the final quarter was to reach 50 goals which we did, in the last second.
“The whole team had a great game and it was lovely to see versatility in the team being used without disrupting the flow of play. Player of the match: Alice Millard. Players’ Player and Coaches’ Player: Mollie White.
Frome Stars 53
Melksham Robins 26
The first quarter saw tips straight away from Captain Sophie Cox in centre court and good rebounds from the defence, putting us comfortably ahead, 14-4 after the first quarter.
Carrying on into the second quarter with good person on person defence in the circle, coupled with brilliant communication from GK, Kathy Dredge, the game was going smoothly. Sophie Cox continued making good decisions into the shooting duo, with patience and precision, ending half time 31-10. Taking full advantage of Stars’ large and versatile squad, changes were made. Sophie Woolley stepped into defence and Amelia Pratten and Hannah Dredge took to the court. Defence were going strong with Kathy and Sophie making various tips and interceptions communicating effectively as a unit. Passing through court was a strong point for Stars with good decisions being made throughout, going into the final quarter well ahead by 44 20.
The last quarter saw Vice captain, Alice Millard back on court in her favoured position. Her performance was spotless and she seemed to be all over the court at once. With continued interceptions and good decisions mid-court, Stars who are sponsored by Dennis Maps, stayed strong ending 53-26. Player of the match was Alice Millard whilst Players’ player was Kathy Dredge and Coaches’ Player Sophie Cox.
Frome Hearts 35
Calne Storm 25
“Hearts went into this game buzzing, which put a lot of the Hearts players on the front foot at the first whistle. Maybe a bit too eager with a few foot faults to start with this but settled down, and eventually no more calls were made. Both sets of players started to play some effective passage of play across court, which allowed the shooters a chance to settle under the post. The combination of Tracy Carter and Laura Travis used the pocket areas well, to allow Saffie and Ness Gaunt the chance to create space for shooting opportunities. Hearts opened up a 4 -goal lead but this was cut to 2 by the whistle.
“Hearts, sponsored by Dennis Maps, began well, but the tall Calne defence were on form, picking up interceptions from some lobbed balls into the D. Though the defence of Tash Alexander and Ellie Carter were ably restricting them from taking advantage of this, with some lovely outside hand marking to gain the ball. Hearts led 17-14 at the half time break.
“Hearts brought on fresh legs with Zena Harper and Ellie Bennett replacing Saffie and Laura in attack. Hearts knew this was the quarter to draw clear of Calne and they did, focusing well on the passes down court into D, ensuring they continued to use the pocket areas. Zena and Ness showed great movement and offers to increase the lead. Regular turnover from the defensive trio of Maddie Kerbey, Ellie C and Tash; plus successful shots allowed Hearts to feel more confident in their game play. Every player continued to work their socks off during the third quarter to increase and keep the 24-16. Tracy left her mark on the court with a sliding interceptions in mid court, controlling the game down the court, with her steady play which supported the team well.
“Though Calne defensively worked hard, putting in a number of interceptions, Hearts were just that bit more slick in their play as they eventually ran out 35-25 winners. Player of the Match and Players’ Player Ellie Carter, Coaches’ Pick ,Tash Alexander.
Pictured: L to R Laura, Zena Tash, Ellie B, Tracey, Maddie, Ellie C, Ness, Saffie and Amy.
