B2N ladies almost put a ring on it

Saturday 22nd November saw the feisty battle between Hillcrest B2N and old rivals Banstead Belles – and for the Hillcrest ladies, many came out of their shell to put on a chiming show.

The match was split into sixths; the first couple of sixths, Banstead took an easy lead whilst Hillcrest rotated many positions in order to bring out the best in everyone and give equal match play - and most importantly, know what combinations worked well in order to give Banstead a proper fight in the second half.

We saw some excellent work in the circle, plus good shooting by Karen Sisson (GA) Sam Inwood-Field (GS) and Bernie Norrington (GS); and the ultimate defence team of Lorraine Walsh (GK) and Ros Marlow (GD) ensured that Hillcrest won many rebounds from the Banstead shooters. Hillcrest B2N original Katie Baker (WD) made a very welcome return by putting up a brilliant fight for the ball and being a brilliant back-up for the attack team. The attack team of Olivia Nash (WA) and Tracy Dael (C) ran rings around their players in order to get the ball into Sophie Taylor-Denton (GS) and Karen.

Hillcrest were all incredibly focused for the most part, and won a majority of the sixths in the second half. They played on any slip-ups that Banstead made: Ros, Katie and Tracy made some incredible interceptions throughout the game and turned them into goals, whilst Laura Lloyd (GD) ensured her GA was absolutely nowhere near the post! Sarah Benham (GK) improved throughout the match and defended her GS so well that she made her miss most shots! Ros was player of the match for her excellent defending in the circle and the centre court.

However, it wasn’t perfect – many pass inaccuracies did cost us some goals, and fitness endurance diminished in some instances. In the end, we lost 18-16 - but lots more teamwork, focus work and working on continuity throughout the match will ensure we secure a win for next time – which we most definitely can do as we are constantly improving.

It was the closest we’d ever got to beating the Banstead Belles; next time, they’ll be dead ringers…