Goodricke ensured they didn’t hold back in their Sunday league match against an under-strength Vanbrugh side, who once again suffered a shortage of players and had to proceed into the game without a Wing Defence.
Straight away Goodricke used their one-man advantage to open up the scoreline to an instant 2-0 lead. Sharp movements around the centre court and immaculate passing by Emily Drake and Emily Dobson helped to ensure that the ball entered their attacking circle at every opportunity. The great partnership between shooters Sarah Lane and Kav Aggarwal meant Goodricke soon found themselves storming ahead.
Vanbrugh didn’t give up hope, and kept applying pressure to their opponents to force the ball back down the court with defender Chloe Bridge showing great determination to bring her side back into the game. When the ball found itself in the hands of shooters Caitlin Graham and Rebecca Graham, they gave hope to their side and pulled back a couple of goals.
However, their chances to shoot were short-lived, as the Goodricke defenders were hot on the heels of the Vanbrugh attackers and battled resiliently to regain position of the ball. Goodricke continued to dominate the rest of the first half, and Kav Aggarwal’s consistently outstanding long-range shots saw the first half end 17-3.
The second half saw Vanbrugh impressively fighting back, not letting the large margin in goals worry them. Their centre court players made some strong interceptions, providing the shooters with more opportunity to close the gap. However, Goal Defence Nicole King flourished, having swapped from Goal Keeper in the first half, making some crisp interceptions of her own and Goodricke soon found themselves back in control.
Goodricke spirits seemed somewhat deflated towards the end of the second half, but with wonderful aggression from Emily Drake pulling her side back into cutting-edge form, they pulled off a 26-8 victory.
Vanbrugh: GS – Rebecca Breedon (C) GA – Caitlin Graham WA – Abi Hargreaves C – Katie Spencer GD – Chloe Bridge, GK – Fiona Mackenzie
Goodricke: GS – Kav Aggarwal GA – Sarah Lane (C) WA – Emily Dobson/Clemmie Edgeworth C – Emily Drake WD – Carrie Turner/Megan Gonsalves GD – Emma Rickard, GK – Nicole King