Santander International Match Reports 04 February 2024

Premier Division

Both teams started the game strong, Simcocks defensive lineup of Vivia Duffy & Elllan Charmer made things very difficult for the Balla duo Gemma Kirkham & Lilly Tebay who worked hard to get the ball into goal, but Vivia and Ellan made them rethink the passes into the circle as they were getting vital touches and interceptions once the interceptions were made they fed the ball down the court to the attacking players. Chloe Swales and Ruby Watterson linked well for the Simcocks girls and the first half of
the game Simcocks finished ahead by 5.

The second half Ballasalla came back strong with some great linking play through the midcourt between Ashley Hall and Annabelle Clague, Annabelle played tirelessly passing the ball round  her attackers and on to her circle edge then Lily sinking the
goals when fed the ball, this enabled Balla to close the gap.The Simcocks mid court play by Bayleigh Mitchell had patience, she controlled the ball well, placing the ball with great accuracy to Chloe and Ruby, Ruby Watterson made smart line drives and cleared space really well, choosing the correct moments to drive, although Balla’s defensive work of Clair Barks and Rachel Quayle was tight and they worked hard to make things difficult for the Simcocks girls, but Bayleigh Mitchell kept
feeding her shooters with precision and patience which is why she was awarded player of the match for her great efforts and work on the court from start to finish.
Simcocks finished on top 41-36.

Championship Division

Thompson started strong in the first quarter, with some nice movement from GS, Emily Gaylor and some accurate shooting from GA, Chloe Schofield. Thompson's hard work paid off with them taking the first quarter 9- 3. Ramsey came out fighting in the second quarter with tight circle edge defence from their WD Molly Philips and C Winnie Davies. Ramsey's shooters were also on top form with accurate shooting from their attacking duo, GS, Elly-Jane Crellin and GA Ariana Kerruish. Ramsey converted 6 goals to Thompson's 5, closing the gap to 9-14 to Thompson.

The third quarter saw changes to Thompson's attack, with Amelie Harding coming on at GS.The game went goal for goal with the score being 16-17 at one point. However, Thompson continued to keep momentum, with some great defence from the whole team, particularly GK, Rochelle Boyd and GD, Hannah Clague. Ramsey was not to be deterred, again winning the quarter and closing the gap to 4. There was everything to play for in the final quarter with the score standing at 19-23 to Thompson. Thompson GS Amelie settled into the game and slotted some great long bombs and worked really well with her partner GA Chloe. Both shooters were also ably assisted by Thompson's C, Karen Duncan and WA, Natalie Christian. It was a competitive game with
some great play both sides, however Thompson managed to extend their lead, winning the
game 34 to Ramsey's 28.

The player of the match deservedly went to Ramsey's C, Winnie Davies.

Division 1

Ramsey knew this was going to be a tough game with Dazzles being 2nd in the table. First quarter was fast and furious, with Ramsey trying to find their feet and settle in. Dazzles’ defence of Kerry & Louise put great pressure on the Ramsey attackers, making them really work for it. Dazzles led the first quarter 11-5. Ramsey found their feet and managed to make great strides in attempting to close the gap in Q2. Ramsey Red’s Hollie & Lucy worked as a great pair in the defensive circle with some
lovely stretches and marking tight. Dazzles saw a slight change in mid court positions which strengthened their ability to lead the second quarter 16-12.

After half time, Dazzles changed up the team and gave Ramsey’s Alice a chance to close the score gap even more with some incredible shots. This quarter saw a really strong battle between both teams with amazing shots from both sides that were very enjoyable to witness. Q3 ended with Dazzles leading 25-23. The final quarter saw another good battle between the teams. Some lovely shots by Dazzles Megan C & Mandy meant the final score was 35-31. Well done teams, and well done to
Dazzles’ Mandy Hunter for being awarded POTM