Final Score: Eagles 34 v Woodley 15 (W)

Eagles U12 were hoping to maintain their excellent start to the season in their second match against Woodley on Sunday 1st October, although they knew that Woodley was likely to represent the tough opposition.

Eagles were straight off to a good start in Q1, with some impressive interceptions by Charlotte Y, Charlotte C and Sarah followed by confident, accurate passes through the centre court. Marta expertly held her GK to claim her space under the net and after a couple of interceptions by a strong Woodley defence, Christina’s cries of ‘Higher, higher!’ could be heard from the spectators’ gallery. Sarah and Annabel promptly rewarded her with some lovely high passes direct to Marta, which were converted into goals by the ‘cool as a cucumber’ GS. At the end of Q1, Eagles were leading Woodley with a comfortable 8 goals to 3.

Eagles took the first pass of the second quarter and had soon netted three more goals. Woodley rallied and started to threaten Eagles’ defence, but Eden and Rebecca responded with some great interceptions and by working hard to keep the Woodley shooters out of the danger zone. Quick reactions by both Helena and Dane and great speed and athleticism from Annabel helped Eagles to hold onto the bulk of the possession. By the end of the second quarter, Eagles’ goal tally had risen to 19 versus Woodleys’ 6.

Freya wasted no time getting stuck in when she came on at the beginning of Q3; her interception led to the first goal of the quarter. A bit of scrappy play from both sides ended with a goal to Woodley and they threatened to score another until Neil’s cry of “Rebound!” gave Charlotte Y springs on her feet, enabling her to snatch the ball and quickly send it on its way back to Dane for another goal for Eagles. More strong defending and some beautiful high passes into Marta were rewarded by another stream of goals for Eagles and the quarter ended with a score of 28-10 to Eagles.

Annabel took the first centre pass of the final quarter and Eagles wasted no time in scoring the first goal. Woodley then put in some strong play and was rewarded with 2 goals in quick succession. Several replayed balls by both sides meant that the play was back and forth across the court until Dane’s lightning quick reactions allowed her to catch a rebound and score for Eagles. The Woodley shooter netted a great shot from the edge of the D, but Eagles responded by scoring less than 5 seconds after the following centre pass. A strong finish by Woodley, but it was too little too late and Eagles were clear and well-deserved winners with a final score of 34-15.

Congratulations to Helena for being voted as Woodley ‘s Girl of the Game

It was great to see Tabitha on the side of the court…..albeit as an injured supporter. Get better soon!!!!

Match Report Written by Carol Yarrow