Corsham 'just' grab the first win of the season

It was a cold mizzly evening at Devizes as the firsts took to the court for their latest outing against Wessex Blades. Putting out a team of gnarly vets with a generous sprinkling of youth, Corsham looked to put the disappointment of their previous two outings behind them.

Characteristically, they started slowly - it seems this trait permeates the entire club, not just the Swindon team - trailing 9-3 after the first quarter, with Laura struggling to find the net. The second quarter was an entirely different affair with Corsham roaring back into contention scoring the first 5 goals without reply. Wessex, stunned under the weight of the onslaught, took a while to get their feet back underneath them but somewhat repaired the damage to lead 18-17 at the half.

The third quarter was a tense, error-strewn, period marked with plenty of changes of possession as both teams struggled to assert any dominance. Corsham eventually edged it to lead by one going into the final stanza. The fourth quarter was nail-biting stuff as both teams went goal for goal knowing that one error could prove to be fatal to their ambitions. The Corsham defensive third proved to be the deciding factor as they turned a couple of Wessex possessions, these were carried forward patiently and converted expertly. Holding their nerve with their own center pass, Corsham eked out a three-goal margin and held it to the end, winning out 30-27.

All in all, a very pleasing outcome when you consider the position they found themselves in after the first quarter.

Wessex player: Maya Blackman, a right chip off the old block…! Buzzing about everywhere and always wanting the ball, all with that wide-eyed, smiling face we have become accustomed to from her mother. Well done Maya…

Correspondents player: Laura Maplesden, all the truly great shooters have a very short memory and an uncanny ability to put recent disappointments behind them and that was what Laura achieved. After a difficult first quarter, she was able to re-boot during the interval and shoot exceptionally well from there on in. Excellent performance.