Star beat top of table

With Star struggling to field a consistent team of late, we always knew playing top of the table Linden was going to be a tough match.  However, there was a real sense of positivity within the squad prior to the match.  Shooter Emma Stott had returned from injury and having her on court was a real confidence boost.

The 1s tquarter started off well, in fact that’s an understatement, it started off fantastically.  Star found their form quickly and took a substantial lead which was consolidated in the 2nd quarter.  Units throughout the court worked well together and linked up to allow the ball to move through the court at relative ease.  Acott Smith, Home and Worrell worked tirelessly in defense to turn over ball and thwart many of Lindens attacking play.  Acott-Smith made several tips on many of Linden’s shots showing great athleticism from the new signing this season.  In centre court Haycox, Bell and Cordingley linked up well with timely clearing and driving moves on and off the ball and around the circle edge.  Shooters Massie and Stott were outstanding creating great space in the circle, out playing a strong Linden defence.  Haycox, Bell and Cordingley fed the circle strongly into the space that was created for them.

With Linden currently standing top of the Regional League, we knew we could not take our foot off the gas.  Coach Lina Morgan made a subistution at half time bringing on Gemma Cordingley for Lucy Bell which gave Star a pair of fresh legs and Linden more to think about.  Whilst Star lost the 3rd quarter by a couple of goals we extended our lead again in the 4th to finally win 61-37.

Player of the match Nicci Haycox stated excitedly, “It was a fantastic match to play in.  The team worked tirelessly for one another and we thoroughly deserved the win.”  During the trip home captain Lucy Bell came out with a definite quote of the day, “we were in the zone and no-one was going to stop us.”  The final word has to go to coach Lina Morgan, who stated, “Great team performance today, I was, and are VERY proud of you.”  Star remain comfortably mid table and now hope to keep this form for the remainder of the season and ruffle some more feathers at the top of the table!

Report by Nicci Haycox - Star squad member

Team

GS – Emma Stott

GA – Rachel Massie

WA – Lucy Bell/Gemma Cordingley

C – Nicci Haycox

WD – Miranda Worrell

GD – Rachael Home

GK – Georgie Acott-Smith