SURREY 54-36 GEMS A
Saturday 23rd September
Starting Line Up: GK – Hannah Wallis (C), GD – Lucy Paterson, WD – Jude Lewis (VC), C – Elin Murphy, WA – Hannah McNally, GA – Fran Bennett, GS – Tara Ellis
Substitutes – Simone Quick and Georgie Pulsford
Surrey took to the court for their second home game of the season following a strong season opener in Surrey Premier B.
The squad faced Gems A, a side no stranger to success in the division, finishing in fourth place in the 2022/23 season with an impressive defensive record. The Rosslyn Park Netball squads have been working hard in training on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings to solidify new partnerships in both defence and attack as well as develop match fitness.
The team started strong, Hannah Wallis (GK) and Lucy Paterson (GD) winning important possession early in the circle, supported by Jude Lewis (WD) and Elin Murphy (C) in the mid court. Murphy continued the form of her impressive debut, utilising her speed and agility to transition the ball from defence to attack and ultimately earning her Opposition’s Player of the Match. Park fought hard despite an impressive Gems circle defence, finishing the first quarter ahead by three goals.
The second quarter saw Gems intensify the pressure, a dangerously accurate shooting circle resulting in the quarter score ending 9-9. However, Surrey’s experienced attacking combination in Hannah McNally (WA), Fran Bennett (GA) and Tara Ellis (GS) fought hard to keep Park in the game, showing their experience to hang on to a three goal lead heading into the half time break.
After a clinical and focussed half time talk, Park took the court with Georgie Pulsford entering the game in GA. Pulsford brough speed and strength to the Surrey shooting circle, an impressive debut for the new recruit. Unfortunately, minutes into the third quarter, Murphy was taken out with an ankle injury on a defensive centre. Park were forced to react, Lewis moving in to C and Simone Quick entering the game in WD. Quick, who plays for the Rosslyn Park Reds, was a testament to the club’s development, versatility and depth, showcasing a strong performance against tough opposition.
The final quarter saw Fran Bennett re-enter the game in WA, Hannah McNally taking a well earned rest after a strong performance. The attacking line up of Lewis, Bennet, Puslford and Ellis gelled well and the combination stepped on the gas, extending Surrey’s lead by thirteen goals. The defence end showcased the benefits of their strength and conditioning work, finishing the game strong with interceptions and tips earning crucial possession.
Whilst Surrey could not deny Gems a point, the final score was testament to an impressive full squad performance from the home side, Park taking the game 54-36. Paterson scooped up her second Player’s Player of the Match of the season, continuing to dominate in defence.
Up next, the Surrey squad take on Redhill A at home on 7th October at 09:30.