Essex Open A 59 Aeonian 46
Essex Open A started their 2018-19 Essex Met campaign with a hard-fought victory over a spirited Aeonians side. Essex had several changes from their title winning line up. Anna Glenn started as goalkeeper and Leanne Spencer returned as Goal Defence. Up front Rochelle Reynolds-Blanche came in as shooter.
With a changed line up Essex took time to settle and it was Aeonians who struck first and led in the early stages. However as usual the Essex centre court trio of Sarah Biss, Rebecca Wilks and Sam Lawrence soon took control. They were able to provide numerous opportunities for shooters Leah Hayzleden and Rochelle Reynolds-Blanche. Hayzleden was in outstanding form and with Reynolds-Blanche also shooting well Essex regained the initiative to lead 15-11 at the end of the first quarter.
Although it was never easy Essex held the edge and were able to score enough goals to keep a good margin between them and Aeonians. Anna Glenn was having an excellent game in defence, well supported by Leanne Spencer who was returning from injury. At half time Essex had extended the lead to 11 as they went 31-22 in front. During the second quarter Essex introduced another young star in Nicole Alves who was immediately at ease in the centre court on her first team debut.
In the second half Essex were did enough to keep a commanding lead but took their foot off the pedal a little to the extent that the last quarter was drawn 14 all. However, Essex had their first win under their belt in their bid to win a 3rd consecutive Met League title.
Glenn, Spencer, R Wilks, Biss, Alves, Lawrence, Hayzleden, Reynolds-Blanche.
Essex Open B 36 Eclipse 39
Essex Open B also had a much-changed line up and eventually were to suffer a narrow defeat against a determined Eclipse team. The first quarter was a low scoring affair as defences dominated. Both sides missed opportunities to score as they took time to settle. Lauren Dawkins on her return to the side and Sarah Campbell were making life difficult for the Eclipse attack. Going forward Nicola Wilks, Nicole Alves and Rebecca Meade were a good match for a lively Eclipse centre court. In the circle Louise Acorns and Sophia Sefton were having a tough battle against a strong defence. Although 4-4 midway through the first quarter Eclipse took their opportunities to go 10-6 in front at the end of the first break.
The second quarter started badly for Essex and Eclipse took control. At one stage Essex were 9 goals behind as they trailed 18-9. Zoie Humphrey came on and there was an immediate impact as Essex scored 7 goals without response to reduce the deficit to 2. At half time the game was evenly poised as Eclipse led 20-18.
Once again, the third quarter was a low scoring affair as Essex battled to get back into the game and defences dominated. Essex managed to claw back the 2-goal deficit as they set up an exciting finale as they stood level on 27 goals apiece going into the last quarter.
The last quarter was a tight, tense affair. Although Essex drew level on a couple of occasions, crucially they were never able to get in front. After a real battle Essex fell away a little towards the end and Eclipse emerged as 39=36 winners.
Dawkins, Campbell, N Wilks, Alves, Meade, Acorns, Sefton, Acorns, Humphrey.

Essex Open C 59 Romford 44
In a game played in difficult conditions, Essex emerged as victors over a Romford side that battled all the way. The first quarter was evenly matched as both sides started well. Going into the first interval the game was level at 7 all but 3 quick goals in succession gave Essex a 10-7 lead. It was the second quarter where Essex effectively won the game as they dominated long periods of play. Kate Wilks, Mona Jervier and Jess Fray took command of the centre court and in the circle Beth Lamb and Mairead Sheehy were forming an effective partnership. At half time Essex had established a commanding 29-17 lead.
In the third quarter Romford came back strongly and scored 4 goals without reply to give them hope. They were always a threat in the circle and Kyra Boyce and Mollie Murphy were forced to battle hard. At the other end however Jaida Simpson had come on as substitute at half time and was shooting well. The third quarter saw both teams scoring 13 goals each.
In the last quarter Romford ran out of steam a little bit and Essex were able to press home their advantage and enjoy a comfortable 59-40 victory.
Boyce, Murphy, Fray, K Wilks, Jervier, Lamb, Sheehy, Simpson.

Other results
Essex Open D started the season with an emphatic 56-29 over OPA Vets. The E team also triumphed in atrocious conditions against Dolly Mixtures winning 23-9. In the same division the F team were defeated 42-26 by AeoniansIn division 9 the G team were impressive victors over Marshalls Gold 36-25.