1st VII v Rugby

Date: Tuesday 2^nd March

Venue:

Get changed at break. You will need to order a packed lunch. Please be ready to leave the Arch at 12.45pm i.e. excuse yourselves politely from the last 10 minutes of lesson 5
Kit: Blue skirt and shirt + white socks. No hoodies! Remember to remove jewellery and to bring water bottles. Match start time is 2.30pm. Estimated time of return: 5.45pm

Team:

R Lawrence
E Holroyd
E Tyler
H Cornish
G Horn
S Parkin
A Smale
S Matthews

Result: Rugby 30 : Repton 49

Match Report: The score line does not do this match justice, and had anyone been watching up until half time, they would have realised just how close this match was. With only 7 players and no reserves, the pressure was certainly on us particularly because we were playing 15 minute quarters (and outside too!!!!!), and so our fitness was going to be a crucial factor as to whether we would win or not. We managed to hold on to a narrow lead (10-8) at the end of the first quarter, but Rugby were quick, aggressive and very eager for the win (probably spurred on from our victory over them in the Oundle tournament last week). As half time approached, we settled down and got used to the court and each other, and started to play the netball we are capable of without making the unforced errors we made in the first 15 minutes. A switch of position at half time, with Horn to GA and PArkin to GS capitalised on our height advantage, and the third quarter was stunning for us. Time and time again Parkin was able to lose her player and simply beat her on the 50-50 high balls. As a result, and some great out-court play from the rest of the team who were dogged in their determination to gain possesion of the ball, we managed to score a massive 18 goals to their 6, thus taking the three-quarter score to 38-23. From there, Rugby simply could not regain control of the match nor make up the deficit, and we managed to hold on to our lead thus finishing the match 49 goals to 30. This was a terrific match and a real spectacle to watch, and I was so pleased that the girls dug deep and showed psychological as well as physical strength for the entire 60 minutes. NMO