Match Report

Watford were hoping for another strong performance and having already beaten their rivals at the start of the season 43 – 26 were looking for the win. The first quarter was tightly contested with errors on both sides. Both teams seemed unsettled at the start and it was clear it would be a tightly contested game. Crosskeys took a two goal lead at the end of the first quarter, which ended 11 – 9.

Watford started the second quarter with changes in the attack with Pippa Parkes to Goal Shooter and debutant Louise Twyman to Goal Attack. Both teams kept the pressure on restricting ball to the shooters, Crosskeys edged a further goal ahead, increasing their lead to three goals at the end of the quarter 20 – 17.

Changes to the Watford team had positive influence in the third quarter with Gabriele Stevens replacing Clare Gillies at Wing Defence and Sarah Schwartz taking the court in place of Nikki Preston at Goal Keeper. In attack Melanie Gregory worked hard to provide safe ball! to the shooters who showed clinical finishing. The defence increased pressure, forcing errors which allowed numerous turnovers. In particular Tina Duff’s marking proved effective which led to a number of key rebounds. Watford won the quarter by nine goals and went into the last quarter with a six goal lead 33 - 27.

Looking to keep the forward momentum Elizabeth Smith was drafted in at Wing Attack for the final quarter. Both teams battled hard for possession in the last 15 minutes, Crosskeys fought to the final whistle and looked like they may challenge for the lead in the last few minutes. Strong play and positive drives by the Watford team, with Captain Kim Lambden, leading by example, seemed to falter the Crosskeys comeback and despite Crosskeys winning the quarter by one goal, Watford managed to hold the lead and win the match 41 – 36.