Amethysts finish 2nd in group at Blue Jays

On a bright but windy day Amethysts headed to Salisbury to take part in Blue Jays High 5 tournament. This was something a bit different for the team, as everyone has to switch positions every half game. There were 18 teams playing in three groups of six and Amethysts were drawn in group B.

We had a gentle start with an easy 5-1 win over Spire Cream; it could have been more but the lower goal post was actually making scoring a bit trickier! Our second match was a completely different kettle of fish. We were against Newbury Blue, who fielded some very tall players and with strong attacking play won 4-0. It was some consolation, however, to find afterwards that they had won all their matches and emerged as clear group winners.

The third and fourth matches, against Peeks and Spire Sparkles, were straightforward wins for Amethyst, so going into the last match we knew that a win here would give us a chance of progressing to the semi-finals as best losers. We knew it would be tight - our opponents, Bournemouth, had almost identical results to us - and indeed they surged to a 3-0 lead in the first half. But Swans refuse to give in. With four different players on court after half time, the fight back began, and sound shooting from Erin clawed us up to 3-3. With everything to play for in the last minute, Ruby took a heavy fall. Amethysts hardly dared breathe as she picked herself up, then sent a lovely pass up the court. Somehow the ball found Georgia and Georgia found the hoop - just moments before the final klaxon. We'd finished the tournament with a fine victory!

Afterwards we were pleased to find that our fellow Swannies Coral had reached the semi-finals as best losers (they had also won four and lost one, but because they only lost by one goal, they still got a point from that game, giving them one point more than Amethysts). Amethysts piled onto the court to support their club mates in their semi-final, which sadly they lost by the narrowest of margins.

Well done to all the players - Izzy, Georgia, Jess, Sophie, Emily W, Ruby, Erin, Ella and Emily P - and thanks to the parents for coming to support.

Results:
Game 1 vs Spire Crystal: W 5-1
Game 2 vs Newbury Blue: L 0-4
Game 3 vs Peeks: W 8-2
Game 4 vs Spire Sparkles: W 3-1
Game 5 vs Bournemouth Blue: W 4-3