On Wednesday 8 March, Team BTC Performance hosted Strode College in a friendly fixture. However, Team BTC were determined to put out a great performance, utilising on their versatility and focusing on the tactics they had developed at training.

The quarter started goal for goal, but with great interceptions from Jessie Venning (GD) and Tilly Millburn (GK), Team BTC Performance were able to extend their lead by the end of the quarter, finishing 10 – 5 in the lead.

The team came on in the second quarter determined to maximise on all the turnovers they were working hard to make, by keeping possession of the ball and demonstrating creative attacking play. Great movement from Cerys Ethridge (WA) and effective circle play from Sophie Cornish (GA) and Katie Rowles (GS) meant that the team scored off most opportunities. Strode struggled to get through the team defence, meaning Team BTC Performance were able to extend their lead, finishing the quarter 22 – 11.

Team BTC Performance’s ability to change their starting seven provided them with versatility and fresh legs. The third quarter saw their strongest yet, with countless turnovers due to their great defensive pressure throughout the court. Charlotte Pengelly (WD) made it hard for Strode’s WA to receive any centre passes, and great attacking movement from Siobhan Lynam (GA) and Jessie Woodberry (GS) saw them increase their lead to 38 – 15.

The team used the opportunity to increase their versatility and game intelligence further by switching out of their usual positions going into the last quarter. Players didn’t look out of place as their focus and determination to win the last quarter was clear. Their attacking knowledge meant that Cerys Ethridge (GK) and Siobahn Lynam (GD) meant that they knew they had to keep shooters away from the post, resulting in Strode only being able to score four goals throughout the quarter. The defensive knowledge possessed by Rheanne Lee (GS) meant that she was able to hold her space excellently in the shooting circle, with great feeds in from Katie Rowles (C) providing lots of opportunities to score. The final score finished 43 – 19.

• Player’s player of the match: Jessie Woodberry and Charlotte Pengelly
• Coaches’ player of the match: Katie Rowles