U16 Girls Basketball v Bristol MET

Having already qualified for the finals for the 2^nd year running the girls faced last year’s winner, Bristol Met on Wednesday 11th January.  Knowing the strength and depth of their opponents, the girls were hopeful of an improved result than last year.

The first quarter started with a flurry of points by Bristol Met, establishing a strong lead, however the St Kath’s team soon settled into their playing routines and regained composure and control, scoring points themselves.  Their regional players were dominant and highly skillful, however the St Kath’s team showed confidence in their ply, with Lauren Dun scoring some long range shots and Tara Harvey and Bo Marshall travelling well through the court to gain territory.  Changes in both side’s saw Ashleigh wills and Zaina Iqbal come into the team, injecting some energy into the tired legs of those playing.  Ashleigh linked well creating plenty of opportunities and Zaina was defensively strong.  The Bristol met side were also bolstered by substitutions and came back strong towards the end of the quarter to lead 35 -15.

In this quarter the game was much more evenly matched, with Amy Tanner and Meg Griffiths creating some great interplay between the team and causing the defence of Bristol Met to work hard.  Some composed shooting from Bo Marshall and Meg Griffiths gave the St Kath’s score line a boost, and brought the scores much closer together.  This quarter finished 47 – 25.

In the final quarter both teams were exhausted from a highly competitive and end to end game.  The pace was much slower and this was reflected in the score line.  St Kath’s had the majority of the possession and they managed to keep the Bristol Met team pinned in their defensive end for long periods, however Bristol Met were strong on the counter attack and managed to score a number of lay ups on the break.  On the final whistle, the score was 53 – 29 to Bristol Met who now qualify for the National finals.

Miss Ball