This was the third round of the Independent Schools Cup and the girls’ first home match. The squad was missing a poorly Delphine Ayitey-Hammond (Rv) but they started the first quarter confidently, Anna Andrews (R) scoring from the first centre pass and settling nerves.
Some early tactical intervention on the Chigwell centre pass, led expertly by Lily Taylor-Fitzgibbon (Rv), forced several turnovers and the girls raced ahead to a 7-2 lead mid-quarter.
However, Chigwell adapted and did well to disrupt Epsom’s connections, pulling back to 7-6.
Captain Sophie Norman (Wh) controlled the midcourt expertly and calmly helped Epsom regain their composure as they finished the quarter 10-7 up.
The second quarter was competitive, both teams turning over lots of balls. Anouska Powell (W) dominated the attacking centre passes but extra pressure from Chigwell made conversion difficult. Meanwhile, the circle defensive duo of Furaha Wasunna (W) and Mojo Ojo (Cr) worked superbly together, creating turnover after turnover, keeping Epsom firmly in the game with a solid second-quarter draw.
The combination of positional changes at half time, and some technical and tactical coaching advice reaped benefits as Epsom dominated the third quarter, winning it by four goals. Amelia Thomson (R) and Anna Andrews gave the team confidence with some excellent shooting, Kitty Ellis (Wh) linked well with Anouska Powell and created several turnovers alongside Lily Taylor-Fitzgibbon, with Furaha Wasunna and Mojo Ojo excelling at the back.
Chigwell worked hard to mix up the girls’ timing and confuse the space in the shooting D but the girls played intelligently, using the reset on several occasions, and finished the third quarter seven goals up.
Chigwell started the fourth quarter with great intensity, turning over the centre pass and scoring from theirs. Pressure was high and a sense of panic apparent. However, the team really dug in and worked so hard for each other. Some excellent turnovers created by Polly Campbell (Rv) and Kitty Ellis were converted calmly by Ella Parson (Rv) and Amelia Thomson. Chigwell were relentless creating their own turnovers but impressive focus from Furaha and Mojo winning the ball back settled the team and, despite losing the final quarter by one goal, secured a much deserved 30-24 final score to progress to the fourth round.
WON 30-24
Player of the Match: Furaha Wasunna (W) and Mojo Ojo (Cr)
