Latest news from local netball club

Marshalls’ under-13 took on their nemesis Essex Open at the weekend and managed to claim an excellent 24-17 win.

A close content was expected and it proved to be the case, but the Marshall girls were determined to get one of their rivals.

Strong work in defence by Abi Clarkson, Shannon Ince and Millie Walker prevented Essex’s attackers from enjoying success.

With Aiofe Moloney, Ruby Sayer and Daisy Stuart-Evans looking in top form at the other end of the pitch for Marshalls, they claimed a narrow victory with Victoria Richards, Caitlyn McGlinchey and Pyper Whittlestone also playing their part.

The under-14s also had a day to remember as they thrashed their Woodford counterparts 31-4.

Marshalls took control right from the off with Somto Ezeonwuka, Olivia Adams and Ella Wilkins marking tightly in the defensive circle and making several key interceptions.

Bella Lacey also led from the front with a tireless performance in the middle and she was ably supported by Emma Grayson and Mia Lickfold.

The crucial efforts of the aforementioned trio enabled Molly Hall, Molly Hickman and Chloe Tame to enjoy success in attacking areas.

Hickman won the player of the game award as a result, while Lacey took the coach’s award on a great day for the under-14s.

Marshalls’ under-12s played their first match of the season against an experienced Essex Opener Maroon side and despite suffering a loss, they took plenty of positives from the game.

Marshalls Purple suffered a heavy defeat in their Division One match with Cambell Blue, but weren’t helped by losing a player to injury.

The Purple’s had started well, but lost one of their shooters mid-way through the first quarter and it cost them.

Alice Grimwood and Elizabeth Hegarty worked hard to try and keep Marshalls in the game, but Blue soon got away and never looked back.

Shauna Butterworth, Emma Driver and Sarah Braiden put in plenty of effort in the middle, while Kirsty Hertbert and Caroline Kazali tried their best in defence, but Cambell claimed a 64-25 win.

Marshalls Yellows also had a tough day and went down 63-47 to Aeonians in their Division Two contest.

A’s made a strong start and their solid defence prevented Elloise Rosen and Hannah Monk from linking together in attack.

Nicola Rees, who picked up the coach’s player award, and Kirsty Woodgate worked hard to stop Aeonians from running away with the match.

Yellows were producing some neat play, but couldn’t remain level with the A’s, as they increase their advantage.

Marshalls did manage to fight back impressively in the final two quarters and a switch which saw Liz Hegarty move forward enabled the Yellows to close the gap on their rivals and go down by a 16-point margin in the end.

The Red team also lost in what turned out to be a close contest with Essex Open in Division One.

It was Marshalls who made the better start of the two sides with Elle Cruise and Megan Gowing impressing.

Player of the match Lorna Newcombe was making her presence felt by closing down the space and intercepting passes,

But Open soon found their groove and took the lead by half time despite the best efforts of Lyndal Newham and Coach’s player Julie Wright in defence.

Marshalls continued to work hard after the break and remain just behind their opponents going into the final quarter.

And despite plenty of late pressure, they couldn’t overturn the deficit and lost 45-39 with Open holding strong.

Elsewhere, the senior Marshalls Pink team put up a brave fight, but couldn’t defeat Sapphire C in their Division 10 game – going down 44-31.

A hard fought opening quarter ended 6-5 to Sapphire, but Pink’s talented younger members were showing their could hold their own against their senior rivals.

Experience eventually paid dividends though, with Sapphire claiming a 13-point victory.

Valeria Ramos claimed the players award for the match while Rebecca Wallis claimed the coaches award after working hard in defence.

Marshalls Silver side claimed some revenge by beating Sapphire D 35-20 in their Division 11 match.

A solid overall performance saw Silver take control of the game with every member of the team playing their part.