East London Netball’s fine start to the season continued as they comfortably saw off Imperial College London 23-8 at Sports Dock on Wednesday in the South Eastern Conference Bowl.
Before proceedings began, East London had the aura of a side who’d won their previous two games; the atmosphere within the team was jovial yet calm during warm-ups.
Quick Off The Mark
It was East London who made the fast start with six unanswered goals registered in the first quarter.
Responsible for five of them was Goal Shooter and on-field captain, Kim Lawrence, who was deadly accurate all afternoon.
The vivacity and creativity of the team in the first quarter was epitomised perfectly by Centre Ellie Eaton, who showed great energy in assisting attacks and dogged persistence in defence – with a handful of key interceptions and accurate passes that provided East London the platform to register points.
Imperial Looking For A Comeback
The second quarter looked set to replicate the pattern of the first when Lawrence registered a further point for East London in the opening minute.
However, Imperial and in particular Goal Attack Hodges, had other ideas replying with four goals of her own – showcasing her own shooting ruthlessness and impressive receiving ability.
Just when it looked like Imperial were set to force their way back into the game, East London quickly regained their composure with three quick goals to take them to a half-time lead of 11-4.
East London Dominance
Having weathered the brief storm early in the second quarter, East London played with much greater authority in the second half, quite often taking advantage of the tired minds and bodies of Imperial.
The third quarter saw East London extend their lead further to eight points showing great tenacity in chasing every lost cause and Lawrence was again showcasing her shooting accuracy, as she took advantage of some intricate attacks by East London.
Goal Keepers of both sides had tough tasks in front of them having to cope with dangerous opposing Goal Attacks and Shooters, however, East London Goal Keeper Teniesha Garner was imperious as she helped limit Imperial to just four nets in the second half.
The fourth quarter capped off a fine afternoon for East London Netball as they ran in a further eight nets – relentlessly capitalising on loose Imperial passing, as well as demonstrating creativity in attack and fast and accurate passing.
Never so evident than with East London’s 22nd point as Lawrence finished off a furious counter attack, with every member of the team contributing to the attack.
Imperial looked well beaten at the end and grateful for the final whistle.
Winning Mindset
Having won only one game throughout the duration of last season, East London’s 3-0 record this year represents a dramatic upturn in success, and captain Immie Long believes a change in mentality is behind the change in fortunes.
“I think everyone is wanting to win [this year], whereas last year everyone got a bit bunged down by losing and just gave up. New year, new team! We go out wanting to win,” she said.
After the game Long made it clear she has high ambitions for East London Netball this year.
She said: “We’ve got really good freshers this year. We just want to keep winning, and also we want to go for the ‘Most Improved Club’ at the Sports Awards at the end of the year. That’s our main goal.”
Next up for East London Netball is a return to the South Eastern Tier as they host Anglia Ruskin on 30th October at Sportsdock.
Player of the Match: Kim Lawrence (20/23 of the points scored).
East London: Nicholson, Adeoson, Bolger, Atoki, Mayisokele, Eaton, Pachita, Long, Lawrence, Tait, Garner.
Imperial: Sivakumar, Groom, Olujobi, Dorman, Coath, Knapman, Butler, Hodges, Akoro
