First game of the league ?? we had no doubt it would be a step up but we were feeling ready to see what was in store for us! Having changed tops and socks from black to white and back again, and after a slightly chaotic warm up on the netball courts, we were ready.
Cirencester were also ready and went off with a bang… almost scoring in record time but Wick kept their first attempt out and resettled. Cirencester kept putting on the pressure and not long after the start of play, Rachel Roberts needed a sub having gained a split lip! Cirencester had some good forwards and despite tireless defending, they snuck a couple past us. Lots more opportunities were stopped in their tracks by our defence and Rachel though!

And then, Helen went down ! We knew something was wrong as she wasn’t jumping back up. Off she hobbled - nothing too serious (she thinks?) but an unhappy kneecap, sending recovery vibes ??

By the end of the second half we were sticking more on players, holding our press well and causing the oppo to make mistakes.
3-0 at half-time - we needed to keep the energy and mindset of the end of the first half into the second. We talked about playing less stretched out so defence to step up slightly and make sure we are close enough to offer triangles.

We played much better in the second half - closing the gap between defence and mids worked well to give them less space too. We had shorts and some chances which is hopeful but none found the goal.

They scored one in the second half which was more a fluff up from us then skills from then but hey ho we learn. Overall, it was a very defensive game where we ran our socks off and have lessons to learn going forward in this higher league!

Final score 4-0 to Cirencester

Players player goes to Gwenno - cracking game in defence and also driving up the pitch - intercepting so many balls with your running reverse stick! Honours to Alex, Rach, Robbo and Nikki
Captains player goes to Katie for a solid game on the wing - shooting balls into the D as well as defending tirelessly.
Donkey goes to Rach for apparently setting the school alarm off!

Tea rating - 8.5? A nice and hot meat and potato bake

Onto the next one ladies ?