Warriors get 2020 off to winning start to stay top of table

CHARNWOOD RUTLAND WARRIORS 52 BILLERICAY 43. CHARNWOOD Rutland Warriors got their 2020 off to a winning start with a hard fought 52-43 victory over Billericay.

The first quarter was very competitive with fluent center court play from both sides. Both teams were confident on their own center passes with the early stages of the game going goal for goal, with the accurate shooting of Ellie Gallacher and the tight defensive end of Mel Oakman and Abi Hymas the quarter ended with Charnwood just ahead by five and a score of 13-8.

Charnwood continued to extend their lead in the second quarter with the consistent play of Sam Griffin, Lucy Alexander and Jay Robinson in the attacking end. Jas Odeogberin and Corey McGlynn created lots of turnovers in defence on which their shooters capitalised. Charnwood scored eight goals without a reply in the second quarter to end the half with a a comfortable 29-13 lead.

Billericay came out fighting in the third quarter and were determined not to let Charnwood extend their lead further. Billericay scored seven unanswered goals towards the end of the quarter and played exceptionally well to pressure Warriors into mistakes.

They closed the gap so that Charnwood when into the final quarter with only a nine goal lead and the momentum with Billericay.

Charnwood made changes in the final quarter to stop Billericay’s run with Rachel Duckers moving to the bench, Beth Gabriel moving to shooter and Katie Welsh staying at centre. The changes Charnwood made ensured that the final quarter ended on level terms with Charnwood allowing everyone to take to court and taking the win with a score of 52-43 which sees Warriors remain top of National Premier Division Three.