Christmas celebrations came early at Callywith tonight with the Shoots soaring to a 42-38 victory over Steelers Stars to the delight of every Panda on the bench and in the gallery.
To finish the first half of the season on such a high note is a dream come true for these girls who have worked so hard to realise their potential.
Determined from the whistle our girls came out strong taking a 15-8 lead in the first quarter playing with a confidence, discipline and strategy meticulously planned by their captain Bryony Marie and vice captain Niki Bellenger.
And when the discipline began to slip in the second quarter it was so credible to watch Bryony Marie bring the team together with words of wisdom, steadying the ship, regrouping and keeping faith with her starting seven. Putting Bryony's instructions into practice the Shoots showed us exactly what they are capable of with some great teamwork to maintain their lead and secure the victory.
Bryony Marie and Tasha Beale were worthy winners of the Steelers players of the match. This duo were consistent in their back line passing, snatching rebound after rebound with the opposition complimenting them on being "annoying!"
At the other end of the court Bronnie Berryman and Niki Bellenger's partnership continued to shine with their impressive strike rate and rebounds dominating the circle.
What was also encouraging was how our centre court held firm for a larger percentage of the game than previously. This made such a difference to the end result with Hayley Williams, Jenna Whitehead and Sarah-Jane Cornwell keeping it steady and not once being blown for footwork - a credit to these girls.
Thanks to our umpire Jackie Walker and to opposition umpire Jenna Smith (our honorary Panda!) and to Fran Hodges for sharing the scorers/timers seat with me - it's all about the teamwork on and off the court. And thanks to Steelers for being such a sporting team.
I must say it's so pleasing for me to watch Bryony Marie in collaboration with Pandas Hannah Steadman and Sarah Medlin. For me this is my dream coming true watching our two teams working closely together.
What an end to 2022! The Shoots bringing home a victory; The Pandas at the top of division 4 and The Panda-Strollers reaching the final of the South West Walking Netball Festival finishing 7-7.
Celebrations will be at an optimum tomorrow night at our Panda Party with the Shoots pledging to down the number of Shots they scored goals - a big 42! - Watch out Alec Church!
Above all it's the camaraderie of the whole club which deserves our celebration
Kathryn Pearn - Chair
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