Santander International Match Reports 02 March 2024

Premiership

Simcocks Red 42 v Ballasalla A 36

This game was highly contested and played out right until the final whistle - a great match to watch. Both teams started strong, with good connections through the mid court, strong defence, and impressive shooting. Good pressure from Balla allowed them to turnover Simcock's centre passes early giving them a 3 goal leading after the first quarter. Eager to level the game, Simcock's started the second quarter strong, with Rachel Johnstone coming out with 2 turnover opportunities, converted by Amaline Batty. After another tightly contested quarter the score finished 23-22 to Balla heading into halftime.

No team were willing to give up the fight, and every goal scored by Amaline and Emily Osbourn (Simcock's) was calmly responded to at the opposite end only seconds later by Kate Teebay and Lily Gell (Balla). The lead continued to change, with both teams managing to get ahead by only a couple of goals at a time - every ball mattered - both Ashley Hall (Balla captain) and Rachel Johnstone (Simcock's captain) worked hard to calm the play through the court when their teams were on attack. Heading into the third quarter break Simcock's managed to take a 1 goal lead, which was built on in the final quarter with the game finishing 42-36 - Rachel J POTM.

Division 2

Ramsey Jets v Thompson 3

Ramsey Jets started off strong, making some accurate passing within the center third to the shooters which allowed for some great shooting from Sarah Quale (GA) and Anya Evans (GS). Thompson 3 worked tirelessly on court despite having only five players, and the first quarter finished 4-3 to Ramsey. Although Ramsey fought hard,  Thompsons gained the upper hand by the end of the 2nd quarter, with some brilliant turnover from the defence of Lily Marriott and Jessica Stanley. Ramsey defence weren’t to be outdone, some brilliant turnovers from Ali Thompson (GK), Laura Robinson (GD) and Claire Pullen (WD) saw the game separated by only one goal at half time, 9-8 to Thompson.

By the second half the Ramsey team tired but kept fighting very hard and showed resilience in making accurate passing and movement round the court. Thompson were able to capitalise on turnover ball with some accurate shooting from Zharah Hewlett and Chloe Batty and drew the lead out to 20-11. Both teams fought hard to the final whistle, with both centres (Leah Stewart for Ramsey and Emily Kirkham for Thompson) controlled the ball through court and fed the shooters well. Sorcha Wade made some crucial interceptions for Ramsey at WD, but Thompson had found their rhythm. The game finished 32-14 to Thompson. POTM Jess Stanley