MINSTRELS 28 MARS 35
A fast-paced, non-stop, action-packed game saw Minstrels narrowly lose in this week’s fixture against Bridgwater’s Mars.
It was a dynamic, high energy game, and the result does not reflect how closely-fought this competition was and does not do justice to the reality on court – it was only small, technical errors that led to our eventual demise.
Spirits and positivity were high throughout, as Minstrels have really begun to bond and form real teamwork over the past few weeks of the netball season. We have tried various combinations of players and have utilised players from Jesters, giving opportunities to developing players. We are also grateful to our x-category players, who support in whatever position is needed.
On the day, we went out strong, and it was goal-for-goal in the first quarter of the match. As the whistle blew after the first fifteen minutes of furious play it was 9-9! After the third quarter it was a nail-biting score of 23 goals to their 26. We were evenly-matched, with strength and stamina on display from both sides.
A few bad reactive passes after a turn-over, footwork errors and obstructions did not help our cause, but these are only minor faults that will easily be corrected in advance of our next matches. In our favour, Minstrels had the most possession, and the movement of the team was exceptional.
Communication from our Captain, Emma Dury, was fantastic throughout the game – she was encouraging, motivational and able to direct players from her position of goal defence. Emma Weskin, as WD, did not tire throughout and she was relentless in her pursuit of an interception.
New combinations in WA and C worked seamlessly together, Macey Newman (WA) was awarded Player of the Match by the opposition and Charis Saunders-Prouse (C) was the team’s Player of the Match.
Effort and fitness were not in short measure, and this is why we were able to hold our own and prove tough competition for Mars. Rotations and movement in the shooting D, as practised in training, were put into play and proved successful. However, it did seem at times that our ball was stopped by some kind of ‘extra-terrestrial’ (Mars!) forcefield, evading the ball from its final destination!
The positives and positivity in the team were apparent and there is no shame in this loss to a team with a towering GS, who couldn’t miss on the day. We have plenty to look forward to in our forthcoming matches, onwards and upwards, Minstrels! In truth, a loss, but a super team effort nonetheless.
On Monday, 7th October, Musketeers played away against Kingfishers. Musketeers worked amazingly well together but sadly lost the game 2-49. The Musketeers’ Players’ Player was Emma Weskin.
Laura Snook