Final Score:  Eagles 21 v 26 Royals (L)

Sunday’s u12 Berkshire league match against the top two teams in the league, Eagles and Royals, lived up to all expectations. An incredibly fast-paced, frantic game, with some great play and outstanding performances from all players.

The first quarter saw Eagles get off to a great start, with Marta scoring the first goal in the first 30 seconds. She was ably supported by Charlotte Y, playing GA for the first time and showing how multi-talented she is, also scoring an early goal. However, some tense, agitated and at times scrappy play ended the quarter 8-7 to Royals following a controversial final goal to Royals right on the whistle. It was all to play for.

The second quarter started with an unchanged team from Eagles. Some excellent defending by Royals and a few unfortunate penalties against Eagles meant that Royals were able to capitalise on their advantage, with the quarter ending 17-11.

Eagles fought back hard, with some great play from Maddie, Sarah and Amelie in the centre of the court, with Charlotte Y moving into WA.  Some incredible defending from Dane in the circle, supported by Helena in GK, led to some better flowing play and a very exciting quarter.

It ended 25-16, the advantage to Royals achieved following some simply brilliant shooting from the Royals GS from exceptional distances at times.

The final quarter saw some changes to the Eagles team, with Charlotte C moving into GS, Marta to GK and Kiera to WD. This proved a great combination, with some brilliant interceptions from Kiera, great shooting from Charlotte, greatly assisted by Caitlin (playing in her second game of the day following her u11 draw against Royals), stepping up into GA. The quarter ended hugely to Eagle’s advantage and another five minutes would undoubtedly have brought the score much closer.

A great performance from everyone,  a wholly deserved player’s player award to Dane and a lot to take into the re-match next term