Match Reports – 16th November 2011

Click here to read the match reports from the 16th of November 2011…

Portsmouth 1sts vs Hertfordshire 1sts
Home or Away: Away
Final Score: Portsmouth 38 – Hertfordshire 29
Written by: Tasha Bond

After a previous defeat, we made sure we worked with our coach to improve our training regime and increase our chances of winning the next game. We were up against Hertfordshire who are currently second in the league – so we knew it would be a tough game.
The first quarter we came out strong, with the shooters making use of interceptions made and converting most centre passes. Toward the end of the quarter, Hertfordshire found their game and began to increase their pressure on the ball, particularly the attack. With our team driving forward and at the correct angle, which we worked hard on in training, we entered the second quarter two goals up.
Throughout the third and fourth quarter we kept on going, knowing full well that our lead could easily be changed with Hertfordshire’s energetic team. However, with some excellent work in the defence with Kelly, Alice and Sally and great motivational talk from Nicola Elliott, we extended our lead winning 38-29. Player of the match went to Alice Berry.

Portsmouth 2nds vs Brighton 4ths
Home or Away: Home
Final Score: Portsmouth 44 – Brighton 14
Written by: Sarah Blackmore

Once again as a second team we demonstrated our immense desire to win every game left in the remaining season. After a thorough warm-up and a few inspirational words from our captain, Nola Hamilton, we were once again well on our way to victory. The first half came and went with some glorious interceptions from Louise Wilkins and some fantastic shooting from Holly Formstone and Courtney Rose at the other end of the court. After a rousing half time team talk and a quick switch up of players, we saw Welshie change ends and become GS and some fresh legs in the form of Kirsty Peters and Lucy Smith, we were off to another great start in the second half. We comfortably lead the entire game and we challenged ourselves by setting ourselves achievable score targets, i.e not letting the opposition gain more than 4 goals a quarter. This ensured our team remained disciplined, focused and motivated for the entirety of the match. A fantastic game from everyone and I am very proud to be a part of your team Congratulations!! Player of the Match went to Nola Hamilton

Portsmouth 4ths vs Royal Holloway 1sts
Home or Away: Away
Final Score: Royal Holloway 29 – Portsmouth 19
Written by: Rachel Bealing

Wednesday 16th saw the 4ths travel to Royal Holloway for a cup match. After an eventful journey we arrived and began our warm up. The first quarter saw just how strong their defensive unit were. Likewise with our team, Beth and Rosie played fantastically as a unit and really put their shooters under pressure. We ended that quarter just a couple of goals behind. After an encouraging captains talk from Tamara we managed to claw our way back in the second quarter. However the third quarter saw them pull away slightly. The team played well the whole way through but the game finished 29-19. Player of the Match was given to Sophie.

Portsmouth 6ths vs Chichester 4ths
Home or Away: Away
Final Score: Chichester 30 - Portsmouth 26
Written by: Carly Hewitt

This week the 6ths had an away game against Chichester. We all arrived at the union in high spirits – minus a Wrap & Roll lunch though ?! As the opposite team were in a league below us, expectedly we hoped for a firm win. However, unfortunately we lost in the end by 4 goals (26-30) after winning the first 3 quarters. Needless to say we were all disappointed! There was still lots of fantastic play on court though – Charlotte Hughes (WD) for example made some brilliant interceptions, as well as Georgia Payne (GK) who was picked as the well-deserved ‘man of the match’ after a great all-round defensive game. We definitely started well but perhaps became complacent and low-spirited after the opposition started to up their game. Nevertheless, girls, I’m sure we’ll take many areas of improvement as well as positives from the match, and apply these to our league game next week!