On Tuesday 6th February our Inter and Year 11 squads travelled to South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon to play their quarter final and friendly matches respectively.
The Inter team competed first with the usual 4×10 minute quarters. Unsure as to what to expect, the girls ensured they were settled and ready to play their game. From the first whistle they entered the game with purpose. Ballyclare too we’re on the hunt for a win and they too began strongly. It looked quite even at the start, with both teams passing and looking for the ball with determination. The defensive trio of Jodie Thompson, Emma Fawcett and Chloe Robinson prevented any possible attempts in our defensive circle ensuring that Anna Cairns, Jessica Foy and Eve Balfour were able to work their magic by passing the ball into our shooting circle where Maria Bullock awaited. A quick pass to Eve, a shot, first blood ERGS. This goal gave the girls the confidence they needed to begin attacking the Ballyclare game, preventing them from gaining any kind of upper hand. At times, the play was too rushed and the passes went a bit awry, but by the end of the first quarter, it was 6-0 to the ERGS girls.
After a good analysis of their play at the break, and a change of some players, the teams took to the court for the 2nd quarter. Keeping with the decision to slow down the pace of the game, the defence, now including a change of GK – Aimee Callaghan, took their time before passing and made sure these passes were true. Great work in the circle against a very strong Ballyclare Goal Defence gave Eve and Eloise McDonagh the chances they needed to shoot with great accuracy. Lucie-Anne, in her first game back since a shoulder injury, helped Anna, Eve and Maria to facilitate the passing around the circle’s edge, enabling a better shooting position. 14-0 to ERGS at the half.
As we progressed into the 2nd half and it became quite obvious that the game was ours if we maintained our discipline, the girls did relax a little. The play flowed nicely with some superb goals from the two shooters. Some of this relaxation did result in 2 goals from the Ballyclare team, but we did not begrudge them as we could see clearly that they needed a little boost to keep them in the game. 22-2 at the end of the quarter.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, we mixed the team up in the 4th quarter, with most of our girls playing out of position. This made it a bit better for Ballyclare as they were able to attack and defend more easily and so play a bit of their game instead. This resulted in a final score of 26-4 to ERGS and a place in the Semi Final secured.
Huge congratulations to the team for their much deserved win. Details of their opponents are dependant on the outcome of a few other matches.
Year 11 Friendly versus Ballyclare High school
Next up in the day were our Year 11 girls in their first match this season. So much attention has been given to the Leagues and Plate matches thus far, the usual Fermanagh Blitzes haven’t yet happened.
13 members of the squad were all eager to get onto the court so they could showcase their abilities. Straight from the whistle, Maya Kettyle and Ellie Dunlop were a strong offence, working together well to manoeuvre the ball into the circle. Within very short order, the first goal was scored. However, this was not an easy ride, the girls really had to work for each ball. Often, when this was won, a stray pass sent it back into the hands of Ballyclare. 4-1 in the first quarter to ERGS.
Team changes happened each quarter ensuring that everyone played. Top scorers amongst our 4 shooters were Ellie and Iona Clarke. Connor-Keely Sholes and Zoe Jordan in wing attack and wing defence respectively both had strong matches. 7-2 up at halftime meant that the girls were feeling a little less pressure yet they also knew that they couldn’t ease off. Each of those girls who played in defence really had to think about their marking and passing into the space. Chloe Giles, Hannah Graham, Katie Hughes, Sarah Speer and Lin Zhang are the girls responsible for this, with Luchia McCusker in wing attack driving the ball into the waiting hands of the shooters. Quarter 3 saw our girls ahead by 10-4.
Going into the final quarter, the girls eased back a little and as a result, their gameplay was much better. Nerves had caused a few passes to be intercepted, but that settled. Laura Ritchie and Nikki McChesney worked well ensuring Nikki got onto the score sheet. Final score, 14-6 to ERGS.
A great day out for the ERGS girls. Congratulations to them all.
