Warriors continue winning ways in Prem

Charnwood Rutland Warriors faced Exeter away this weekend in England Netball’s National Premier League. Exeter have just earned promotion from the Regional League and this was the first encounter between the two sides.

Warriors were smooth and controlled from the start which was reflect in a 7 goal run in the middle of the first quarter. Ellie Gallacher’s strong hold in the circle at GS allowed Sam Griffin who was playing GA to fire the ball in from range. The in-sync shooting pair were able to find a good rhythm which allowed Warriors to finish the quarter which a significant lead of 17-10.

Despite a low turn over to goal rate from Warriors, Warriors were able to convert their centre passes to goal, to maintain a steady lead. Georgie Brock-Taylor playing C, showed great tenacity and was constantly available as an attacking option. Warriors were up at the end of the quarter, leading 31-23 with 100% shooting statistics from Gallacher and Griffin.

After the half time break, Warriors made some tactical changes and tried a successful new combination of Rachel Duckers at GA and Griffin moving to WA. Duckers came on and rose to the occasion with great long bomb for her first shot. Warriors responded to Exeter’s quick run of 4 unanswered goals with 3 of their own. Exeter were challenging every ball and put Warriors under pressure. This was shown in Warriors only extending their lead by 1 goal with the third quarter ending 43-33.

Moving into the last quarter, Warriors made one last change, with Griffin WA moving to the bench and Lucy Alexander returning to the court as her replacement. Alexander got of to a flying start with great vision in attack when feeding the circle. This lifted the team’s spirit to help secure the win. The defensive duo of Abi Hyman at GD and Melissa Oakman at GK switched well in the circle to produce a spectacular turnover. Jaydene Robinson at WD moved to the bench half way into the last quarter with Bethan Lount as her replacement. Lount connected well with Hyman and Oakman to turn over the ball on the circle edge. The shooting circle continued to remain calm, cool and collected with 100% shooting statistics.

The lead in the first quarter enabled Warriors to maintain a win throughout, however, Exeter worked tirelessly to keep this pressure on. Gallacher supported her attacking team mates by varying her movement to come out of the circle. With a whole team effort, Warriors held firm and won the game 56-48.

Player of the match: Sam Griffin

Squad: Ellie Gallacher, Sam Griffin, Jaydene Robinson, Corey McGlynn, Abi Hymas, Brittany Coleman , Mel Oakman, Georgie Brock-Taylor Katie Welsh, Bethan Lount, Rachel Duckers, Lucy Alexander