Santander International Match Reports 03rd December 2023

Premiership

Manx Fellas 42 v Route One Connections 26
POTM – James Arneil, Manx Fellas

The game opened very evenly between both teams, with the offensive pairings of Michael Pardoe and Michael Josem of Manx Fellas, and Kat Keeling and Becca Cooke of Route One showing their attacking convictions. The first quarter’s score ended 10-7 in Manx Fellas’ favour.

In the second quarter, the Manx Fellas applied some further pressure in the mid-court, particularly between the defensive and counter-attacking efforts of Rob Mason at Centre, Pete Corrin at Wing Defence and Michael Pardoe at Wing Attack. This alongside the effective shooting of Jason Philbin at Goal Attack, allowed the Fellas to stretch the lead slightly into half time with the score at 24-13. However, credit must go to Emma Vondy, Hannah Halsall and Alice Willoughby at Goal Keeper, Goal Defence and Wing Defence of Route One, as their tireless defensive efforts halted opportunities for the Fellas and led into multiple counter-attacks of their own.

The third quarter saw both teams continue to push forward, with some excellent passing plays into and through the attacking third. Steven Ronan at Centre, and Christos Anastasiou at Goal Attack for the Fellas worked hard to seize and create circle-edge opportunities. Route One’s mid-court of Rhian Evans at Centre, Paige Skillicorn at Wing Attack and Sara Watterson at Wing Defence showed unwavering determination throughout the game, with their ongoing pressure creating turnovers, coupled with smooth attacking transitions and circle-edge plays made it extremely challenging for the Fellas’ defenders, James Arneil and Stephen Mulhern. The third quarter score ended 32-20 to the Fellas.

The last quarter saw the introduction of Torryn Jones at Goal Shooter and Zahed Miah at Wing Defence for the Fellas, both of which were required to hit the ground running as Route One continued to apply pressure in all areas of the court. Some good shots from Torryn helped to bring the game to a close, with the final score being 42-26 to the Fellas, and the Player of the Match being decided as James Arneil of the Manx Fellas.

In summary, a highly competitive but enjoyable game competed in the best of spirits by all involved, and a big thanks to our umpires, Claire Belcher-Smith and Bayleigh Mitchell.

Championship

Castletown Spaniards 29-24 Ballasalla C
POTM - Amalie Hutchinson - Spaniards

Both teams were very unsettled in the first quarter, with lots of mistakes across the court and the defences coming out on top. Holly Charmer GK picked up some lovely interceptions for Spaniards but they were struggling to score. Balla came out ahead 6-5.

There were some changes for Spaniards and the game shifted, it was one way traffic with Spaniards dominating the second quarter with a 14-2 quarter score, going in at half time 19-8. Zoe Ludford Brooks coming in at GS was crucial and the shots started to drop.

Although the young mid court for Spaniards was working tirelessly, the cross court defensive pressure of Balla slowed them down in the third quarter and made them work hard for any chances to get the ball to the shooters. Sarah Lister GK and Gemma Kermode GD for Balla were doing a great job marshalling the circle. Balla won the quarter pegging it back to 25-15.

They came out flying in the fourth quarter getting back to within 5. The attack were moving beautifully with Kath Kermode GS and Nessa Farren GA combining well to put the pressure on Spaniards.

It was Spaniards Amelie Hutchinson who took the POTM honours for some lovely work in attack at GS, GA and WA.
Between the two teams there were 4 sets of mums and daughters on court together today!