Report Paulton A vs Dukes wed 30th sept 2009 Another mid week match seen Paulton A travel down to Tor for an early game.

Paulton started strong from the whistle, playing against a changed Dukes side.  Both teams trying to control the pace of the game.  Dukes defence were strong but Davina and Cheryl played hard and made every ball theirs.  At the end of the first quarter paulton had a slight lead 11-10.

Going into the second quarter with squad rotation Paulton settled into the match and turned over some great balls leaving Cheryl and Davina to extend the lead with some accurate shooting.  Vanessa’s vocal support in the attacking end lifted the team, and at half time Paulton led 26-17.  

Rotation change seen Josie coming in at GK in her first match this season, putting real pressure on the Duke’s shooters! With the dynamic combination of Hayley and Vanessa in attack, feeding the circle strongly, Paulton kept their heads and increased the pace of the game.  Victoria and Josie picking up rebounds in the defending circle, and the team working well to take the ball up the court using all the channels.  Stuart would of been proud to watch.

Paulton went into the last quarter 36-28, Shelley coming back on at C, controlled the center of the court, reading the play well and passing some strong passes into the circle, showing great experience of the game. With Catherine in at WD creating great space in the middle third and also providing back up support for the attack, Paulton finshed 46-35 at the final whistle.

Paulton travelled away in their second game of the season.  Hoping for a strong start like the previous game, Paulton did not disappoint. The first quarter started steadily and although the attack went a little too deep at times, the shooting by Cheryl and Davina remained consistent meaning a lead of 13 goals to 9.

The second quarter started well with the defence of Vicky, Catherine and Ness starting to put pressure on Knaves attack. This meant Knaves only managed to score 7 goals. With accurate passing into the circle by Shelley and Hayley, meant Paulton extended their lead to by an amazing 20 goals, ending the quarter 29 goals to 16.

The third quarter saw Paulton continue to use their Squad rotation with Shelley coming off, and Hayley going as Centre and Ness going into aid the attack. This did not slow the teams momentum as Paulton continued to play well as a team, with Debbie adding pressure to the Knaves attack. This quarter ended with Paulton extending their lead to 45 goals-20

 The final quarter saw Shelley coming back on and Paulton set them themselves a target of 10 goals. With Paulton picking up the loose balls and remaining their excellent defending to keep the pressure on Knaves attack, Paulton  continued to dominate the game and ended with a well deserved 56 goals to 26.

Paulton A 56 Knaves 26

The start of the season eventually arrived with a firm Paulton A squad ready to get the game under way.  The evening match was greeted my excited yet nervous players at the thought of playing a strong Timsbury team.

Paulton planned to start well and the first quarter was impressive by having a 14-7 lead at quarter time. This was achieved by some strong defensive over turns from Catherine, Victoria and Debbie; matched with accurate shooting from Cheryl and Davina. 

The second quarter saw Timsbury come back with a fighting spirit and brought the score back to 22-18.  With changes made by both teams at half-time, the match was still open. With Vanessa coming on as goalkeeper, Paulton still dominated the game. With a strong centre court from Shelley and Hayley, the lead remained at 33-28 with one quarter to go.

The last quarter started anxiously with control and determination needed to secure the game. Timsbury were not giving up the game easily but Paulton succeeded and won the game 40-36.

Paulton A v Harlequins

    40       v     36