B Team Match Report, 18.10.08

Cumberland A (Club B Team) v Minchenden B

After a confident start from the Cumberland A team which saw them leading 13-5 at quarter time, Minchenden decided they needed to bring on the big guns with some regional players making their appearance on court. This resulted in some frustrating overhead passes into Minchenden’s circle, skilfully pulled in by the goal shooter. But Minchenden’s tactic did not pay off, with Cumberland fighting tooth and nail to extend their lead to 26-16 at half time.

It was obvious that Minchenden were starting to become rattled as they made yet more changes to their line-up, and it showed on court too as the game became yet more physical. WD Natalie Ekweogwu proved her strength and skill under this pressure to win a well-deserved player of the match from the umpires.

Cumberland’s attacking division worked well together to frustrate Minchenden’s defense. Minchenden’s tactic of doubling up on GS Sam Bolton did not pay off as GA Julia Hall found space in the circle and began to slot the goals away, earning herself players player of the match in the process.

Minchenden fought back in the last quarter, scoring a number of goals on the trot to make for a nerve-wracking last few minutes, but Cumberland managed to hold them off to win 49-41.