B Team Match Report, 06.09.08

Saturday 6 September 2008
Cumberland A (Club B Team) v Palmers Green A

Saturday dawned cold and windy, but thankfully dry, for the first North London League match of the new season. The Cumberland B and D squads proved themselves to be mighty keen, arriving at Broomsfield Park a good 15 minutes before any other teams appeared, and making the most of the extended warm up time.

The B team was facing Palmers Green A, who were also keen to get the season off to a good start, and made the most of winning the toss, converting the first centre pass to lead 1-0. Cumberland soon equalised, and didn’t look back from there! In a scrappy first quarter they managed to convert a couple of Palmers Green's centre passes thanks to the outstanding defensive partnership of Kelly Hutton and Claire Risk, with Kelly intercepting almost every pass into the shooter. A suburb interception off the centre pass by WD Natalie Ekweogwu led to another turn-over and a lead of 6 goals at the end of the first quarter, which finished 12-6.

The second quarter continued scrappy, with both team pulled up on numerous occasions for obstruction, and footwork. A particular tussle developed in the shooting circle as Cumberland shooter and captain, Sam Howlett-Bolton, continued to frustrate the Palmers' keeper. A rather physical battle ensued, with Sam doing well to stand her ground under constant pressure, not always spotted by the umpires. Along with her shooting partner, Julia Hall, she kept the goals ticking over and Cumberland managed to keep the lead to 21-16 at half time, thanks to a late penalty converted by Julia after the half time whistle.

After a stirring half time talk, Cumberland came out for the second half with all guns blazing. The superior fitness of centre court players, Karen Carter and Gillian Turnbull began to show, and improved movement down the court as the team began to gel, led to Cumberland racing ahead during the third quarter. A continued strong defensive performance by Kelly, Claire and Natalie allowed Cumberland to cement their advantage with a 38-14 lead leading into the final quarter.

All that was needed in the final quarter was for Cumberland to keep their heads as the drizzle began. With the introduction of substitute Caroline Chilton as WD, the team maintained their dominance and pulled away further to begin the season with a convincing win of 55-22. Centre, Karen Carter was the umpires player of the match.