After two strong results Bulkington went into the game full of confidence. We had fantastic support - Amz, Stace and Sue dressed as the village people. With Mandie who gave us coaching after 'the don' couldn't make it and Emilie and Tracey as sub. Thank you also to Mrs Helm who provided some much needed support.
 
The first quarter didnt start the best, Stockton defencely were strong and their shooter shoot well. Lisa took a tumble and made an impressive army roll, unfortunately it proved to cause her great difficulty through the game but 10 points for artistic talent!!!
Fran and Kerrie were marked very tightly, maybe too tightly at times but they worked tiredlessly to help us gain 4 goals in the first quarter to Stockton's 10.
 
We had a good coach on the side lines in Mandie and picked ourselves up in the second quarter. Rhian and Jo made some amazing interceptions. Bulkington could not be faulted for effort Jackie helped to control the ball up court and Lynz helped us to break the zonal marking Stockton imposed on us. We were 16 - 8 behind but were not detered.
 
In the third quarter we worked hard again it was difficult withthe zonal marking. We bought Tracey Wheatley on to try and boost the attack which worked well. Fran moved to GA and with more movement helped the ball in the attack. Lynz did some exceptional work on the edge of the circle and put some excellent balls into the circle. The defence worked hard and Rhians go go gadget arms were out to play today and she was tipping balls left right and centre. Jo picked up some amazing loose balls too.
 
We went into the final quarter 23 - 12 down. Lisa unfortunately limped out with a bad shoulder and back but Lynz was fit and ready to take the centre roll and Kerrie moved to WA. The changed worked well and the movement in attack improved. Jo and Jackie made some brilliant interceptions with Rhian showing them the way. Fran and Tracey also had a tough game it was hard against such a tight defence but they adjusted well and shot some brilliant shots.
 
Rhian again got player which she deserved. As one of the umpires said at the end of the game Bulkingtons ball movement through the court was far superior to Stockon's but some silly passing and decisions going against us made it difficult. There were many positives to come from our game; the defence were strong and Fran and Kerrie did well against a very tight and strong defence. Lynz controlled the ball into the attack well and dictated the attack and positioned herself well. We lost 34 - 16 but to our credit Stockon said they thought it was alot closer and we were the best team they had played this season. Good job girls bring on Offchurch next week.