OV Netball

On Saturday 20th September 2008, a group of OVs challenged the current King's 1st Netball Team.

The OV match looked to be a tough and competitive match on paper, with many of the 1st Team players having to play against their sisters. With England U21 Squad member Sam Perry making an appearance for the OV team, it was going to be good for the 1st shooters to experience a match against a very strong, skilled and knowledgeable player.

The first quarter was a close encounter with Katie Hurst shooting ball from all angles, Vicki Heath opening her vision at WA and Beth Perry intercepting ball on the shot, the girls took the lead 4-3 by the end of the 1st quarter.

The next two quarters both teams settled with strong intercepts by Sophie Le Marchand and Mrs Anstey finding her shooting range. The score was level at half time, 8-8. Numerous changes were made in the 1st team with Laura, Emme, Emma and Issy Hershman coming on. This combination took a quarter to find their feet but they were able to maintain the intensity set by their team mates, again the quarter finished level, 13-13.

The final quarter was going to be a tough 10 minutes. The girls were given some targets going into the final quarter. With Caroline coming back on at WD and Laura and Beth's knowledge of each other's defensive playing style, they combined well to intercept and take ball confidently from the OV shooters. Emma Robertson, now at C, her composure was an asset to the 1st team who took steady control and they began to take a lead of 3 half way through the final quarter. The girls maintained their heads to come out winners 19-17 on the final whistle.

Well done to all the OVs for their strong play it was a good foundation for the 1sts to play against so early on in the season. Well done to the 1st on the win it was a good physical and mental preparation for the coming County Tournament.