Falcons Black get first win of the season against Kent County.

Falcons Black’s third match on the season saw them host Kent County Netball Club (07/10/12).

With a squad of only nine, the ladies knew it was going to be a tough match that would require support from everyone on and off the court.

During the opening minutes of the game, Falcons Black allowed Kent County to take an early lead. However, once the players had settled into the game, they started to find their feet and produce a more solid display. The team began intercepting many of Kent County’s balls and by the end of the first quarter, they were only losing by two goals – the score being 10-12 in Kent County’s favour.

With no changes made to either side at the break the game remained extremely close during the second quarter. Falcons Black demonstrated some fantastic through-court play and impressive accurate shooting during this period. However, Kent County’s great defence, coupled with some untimely unforced errors on centre passes by Falcons Black meant that the away team extended their lead to four, with the half time score being 22-26.

The half time break allowed Falcons Black to reflect on where they were losing possession and what to focus on in order to close in on Kent County’s lead. Changes were made to the line-up and Eleanor Durcan came on at Centre for Hannah Joseph.

With fresh legs on court, the team got off to a flying start in the second half. Falcons Black’s defence remained tight on Kent County’s attack throughout the court but especially so in the defensive circle, putting huge amounts of pressure on the Kent shooters. The Falcons Black shooters also managed to retain high shooting stats during this quarter. Together, the home team not only won this 15-minute contest but also led going into a quarter for the first time in the match. Falcons Black 36-33 Kent County.

To retain their lead Falcons Black knew they needed to focus on playing their own game for the remaining fifteen minutes. The Falcons Black defence continued to turn over numerous balls and their shooters continued with the accuracy, which had allowed them to take the lead in the previous quarter.

In the end, Falcons Black extended their lead for their first win of the season. The final score was Falcons Black 51-41 Kent County.

Overall, it was fantastic team effort by Falcons Black, where every team player supported each other throughout the whole game. Most importantly though, it showed that Falcons Black can fight hard and win even when needing to come from behind, which gives them great encouragement for the remainder of the season.

Starting line-up: Helen Hancock (Goal Shooter, GS); Christie Simpson (Goal Attack, GA); Katie Flaherty (Wing Attack, WA); Hannah Joseph (Centre, C); Anna Mulderrig (Wing Defence, WD); Issy Beighton (Goal Defence, GD); Jade Forbes-Wattley (Goal Keeper, GK)

Subs: Charlotte Roye, Eleanor Durcan