19&U

Starting Line up.

GK - Georgia GD -Siobhan WD - Jess C - Maddi WA - Sid GA - Tee GS - Grace

It was important that we got off to a good start and we were determined to set the standard early. Our one on one defence has been our strength all year and once again the girls applied it beautifully.

The first 5 minutes was goal for goal before VU started to gain the upper hand. Their GA was beginning to look dangerous and she was starting to take control. Even though Siobhan was working hard and trying everything she could, it was obvious that her lack of court time due to her injury has impacted on her match fitness. Before the game got out of reach a change had to be made so Maddy was moved into GD with 5 minutes to go in the quarter. This change had an immediate impact as the GA's drive and run was nullified and we were able to sneak a few goals late to get back into the contest by the end of the quarter.

Score: Blaze 10 VU 13

No changes were made at quarter time.

The second quarter was another tight affair with both teams forcing turnovers but not being able to capitalise on them. Halfway through the quarter we began to get on top and bridge the gap on the scoreboard. Through some excellent defence lead by Georgia, we were able to drew level and even had opportunities to take the lead. A couple of errors near the end of the quarter cost us dearly as VU were handed some easy goals.

Score: Blaze 19 VU 20.

Change: Jac into GS

We were hoping that with some fresh legs in at GS we could keep the ball moving in our attack end. VU began the quarter harder, faster and more determined. They showed their class and why they had won their last 5 games with well controlled and disciplined ball movement. By the halfway mark of the quarter the lead had moved out to 7 and the game was slowly slipping away. Linda was brought on to WD in the hope to stop their drive in attack and also add pace in our ball movement out of defence. The last 7 minutes was a display of Blaze's never say die attitude. Every player found something extra and through our discipline and fast ball movement, along with Georgia and Maddy taking intercept, after intercept the margin on the scoreboard began to shrink.

At the end of the quarter we had brought the margin back to 1 and all the momentum was with us.

Score: Blaze 28 VU 29

No change

During the break we could sense something special was about to happen.

It began in the first 20 seconds when Georgia took yet another intercept and we were able to convert that into a goal. Within the first minute of the quarter we had the lead and from there it was never going to go back to VU. The pace we moved the ball in attack was fantastic with Maddi and Sid combining well all night and showed great patience around the circle edge to wait for an opening to our goalers.

The defensive effort all over the court was outstanding and Tee and Sid worked tirelessly all night to ensure when we didn't have the ball, they were putting pressure on. Jac was leading hard and making great decisions with her passing, not to mention shooting at 100% for the quarter.

With 4 minutes to go we were up by 8 and feeling great. The team had worked themselves to exhaustion and the result was in the bag. VU managed to get the last 3 goals of the match but it mattered little as we had broke their 5 game winning streak to record our second win of the year.

Best Players: Georgia, Maddi, Maddy, Sid, Tee Proud of every player that contributed on and off the court.