U11 Amethysts draw with Weston Park

Finally it felt like spring as Amethysts stepped onto the court in blazing sunshine. There was a spring in their step too, as they quickly took a 4-1 lead in the first quarter, with great shooting from Ruby from the edge of the D. At the other end, Emily W made many excellent interceptions against a much taller GS, while Ella kept the ball moving well in a new position at WD.

In the second quarter, however, Weston moved some of their players around, moving a much stronger shooter into GS, while the tall GS went to play GK. We responded by moving Georgia into GS and Ruby GA, while Izzy went to play WD and Ella GK. This formation didn't work so well for us, and with Weston now having a stronger attacking side, they scored goal after goal to end up ahead. Georgia and Ruby pulled back a couple so at the end of the quarter it stood 6-7.

This pattern continued in the third and fourth quarters, with Weston moving a couple of goals ahead and Swans doggedly playing catch-up. With Izzy back in GS, Ella in GK and Ruby in GD, the team settled into a more comfortable formation. Ever-reliable Jess calmed the game down in mid-court when we started getting over-excited, while Emily P used her speed and Emily W her agility to snatch the ball at every opportunity. In the dying moments of the match, with Weston one goal ahead, nifty passing brought ball came back into Amethysts' D; the spectators held their breath as narrow misses from Izzy and Georgia seemed to signal the end of the line, but then Georgia potted the equaliser. Weston had the next centre and quickly got the ball down into their D, but fortunately, just as their GS was poised to shoot, the final whistle blew - to great relief all round!

A most exciting match, with some excellent and determined play from all players.