On Tuesday after school during our usual Senior and Inter Training session, we hosted St Fancheas College in the NI Inter Netball League.
The girls were fired up from the start however, they did not anticipate an equally game-ready St Fancheas. This meant that first blood went to the opposition and our girls were on the back foot. Giving themselves a mental shake, ERGS answered the goal with one of their own, closely followed by quite a number in succession. Superb play from Leah Irwin in Centre, Lucie-Anne Abbott in Wing Attack, Anna Cairns in Wing Defence, Eve Balfour in Goal Attack and Maria Bullock in Goal Shoot ensured the ball sailed into the circle and subsequently into the net. 1st quarter: 10-2 to ERGS.
In the 2nd quarter, we added a couple of changes to allow for other players to get game time. Jodie Thompson went to WA and Chloe Robinson replaced Lucy Carrothers as Goalkeeper. With fast footwork and safe hands, the team worked the ball around the whole court, ensuring their use of space gave them the best chances for ball placement. Emma Fawcett in GD was strong in her defence of both herplayer and ball itself, securing play via excellent interceptions.
Half time: 18-3 ERGS.
With another few changes in the team, we shuffled people around so we could get Jessica Stronge into WD and Eloise McDonagh into GS. Both players were an asset to the team, adding fresh legs and perspective when needed.
3rd quarter: 22-6 ERGS
As the final quarter started, another reshuffle had Eva Howe playing in GA whilst Anna Cairns moved into centre and Leah Irwin went into GD. This added a slightly different dynamic to the game but showed the versatility we have in our players and the depth we have to draw from.
Full time 26-8 ERGS
This should hopefully progress the team to the next level of the League.
Squad:
Lucy Carrothers
Chloe Robinson
Emma Fawcett
Leah Irwin
Anna Cairns
Lucie-Anne Abbott
Jodie Thompson
Jessica Stronge
Eve Balfour
Eva Howe
Maria Bullock
Eloise McDonagh
