Croydon 3 freeze out Highbury 2Croydon 3 trekked across London to The Den in what can only be described as treacherous conditions. With the last of the team arriving just 10 minutes before the start, Highbury had a big advantage having had far more preparation time than Croydon! Susan named the ends and changed things around from past weeks. First in attack was Susan, Emma, Martin and Peter leaving Becky, Vicky, Ben and Mark first defence. Both ends looked well balanced with a mix of experience, speed and height! Highbury tactics were to start fast in the hope of catching Croydon cold but the team, high in confidence, responded in the best possible way. Peter scored in the first minute from close range. Highbury levelled immediately and it looked as though the game would be a close encounter. This was not to be the case, both ends looked creative in attack and defended doggedly. The half time whistle blew with Croydon holding a comfortable 6-3 lead. Susan led the half time team talk which was probably one of the easiest to deliver largely because the instructions were for more of the same. We were told to be a little more composed in possession and look for the simple passes rather than putting up shots every time! In true Croydon 3 fashion the second half was by far the better half. All 8 players pressured their Highbury counterparts and forced simple errors. In defence Emma and Martin dominated their opponents while Susan and Peter excelled in attack with Susan scoring regularly from anywhere on the court and Peter controlling the post and recycling well. At the other end Becky was too fast for her opponent while Vicky created a number of chances for herself out manoeuvring her girl time and time again. Ben and Mark linked up well and showed good commitment pressing the ball at every occasion! The game ended 13-6 to Croydon 3. A very committed and accomplished performance which was summed up well by the Highbury coach who was overheard saying "they were just far too good in defence for us today!" Great performance all! Match Report by Ben | Updated by Andy Final Score: Highbury 2 6 vs 13 Croydon 3P Lindsey (2)B Walsh (2)M Wright (2)M James (0)S Wright (5)B Lockett (2)V Goode (0)E Sturgess (0)Submitted by Susan on 20 Jan 13
