Squad Charlotte Adamson, Lucie Alty, Natasha Alty, Daisy Broadhead, Mariella Cowper, Ellie Gilbert, Lili Harrison, Sophie Joyce, Kiera Turner, Chloe Walker.
Both teams got off to a good start but Leeds had the edge. Phoenix were a little timid in their play, allowing Leeds to get possession. Leeds scored first and it was 3-0 after 5 mins. Leeds had possession of the ball for the majority of the quarter and got into the circle on a number of occasions. Phoenix picked up their pace, with some good passing and Lili Harrison (GS) had the first chance for Phoenix but unfortunately didn’t succeed. Leeds were strong with shooting with a good GA and C working in partnership. Leeds were 5-0 at end of first quarter. It was clear that Phoenix needed to create more space to improve their game.

In the second quarter, Leeds were 1-0 up in the first minute. Phoenix tried hard but lacked confidence, allowing Leeds to gain control again. When Phoenix got possession they passed quickly and didn’t create the space to travel down the court. Sophie was strong (C) but Leeds had the upper hand. They marked well. Play was very crowded for Phoenix and unfortunately they were not getting into the circle for shots. Leeds had a good conversion rate and managed to win the second quarter. This was disheartening for Phoenix with a 9-0 defeat at half time.

In the third quarter, Leeds got in quickly with a shot. Phoenix needed to defend more. There were lots of opportunities for Leeds and they were 2-0 up soon after. Phoenix fought back and began to play more as a team. Sophie showed good attack(GA) and scored their first net, giving Phoenix the boost they needed. The players picked up their pace but there were lots of chances for Leeds and it was fast paced. They came back and scored, bringing it to 3-1. Chloe (GS) had her first chance but unfortunately didn’t succeed. When Phoenix were in our circle they showed good focus and played well. However, the score soon went to 5-1 with little possession of the ball from Phoenix. When Phoenix got their next opportunity, Sophie (GA) scored bringing the score to 5-2. Players were motivated and it gave them them some hope. They ended the third quarter with a score of 14-2.

In the fourth quarter, again Leeds got in quickly, scoring in the first minute. There was lots of crowding and Phoenix needed to create more space again. There was an element of panic as Phoenix got possession, due to Leeds being on their tails and they often lost possession passing too quickly. The game didn’t flow well with the umpire stopping play often and it lacked momentum. Leeds scored in succession within a short period of time, bringing the score to 4-0. Phoenix battled on and didn’t lose heart, despite Leeds having the upper hand and bringing the final score in the last quarter to 6-0.
The final score for the match was 20-2. A disappointing result for Phoenix but all players should be commended on their fair play and effort.