The final week of the ORA Winter League before the Christmas break was full of exciting clashes, with some key match ups causing upsets at the halfway point of the season.
In Division1, Accies came flying out of the blocks and took an early 3-0 lead, commendable as they were ‘inexperience young line up’ v ‘experience, more mature starting seven’. However, Saints were not fazed by this slight set back and settled into their flowing, liquid motion play, led by Centre/Captain/Player Coach Michelle Nelson. The Accies side were somewhat depleted due to illness and injury, fielding players from their lower 2nd division teams, however this did not deter them from producing a very strong challenge throughout the match, never once letting the deficit affect their play. Well timed interceptions from St Lawrence GK Jo Woodham, were instrumental in awarding her the Player of the Match, driving out of the defence D to make the ball hers repeatedly changed the direction of the ball, which was whisked down to their attacking end and converted to goals. The final score was not a true reflection on the standard of the game played, St Lawrence were in control throughout, but Accies were competing for the ball with true team spirit. Hannah Gladwell GA for Accies was awarded Player of the Match for her superb commitment to the game in hand and outstanding shooting.
In Division 2, an intraclub game for St Lawrence’s B and C sides was played in superb spirit. All players were eager to perform to the best pf their ability, desperately wanting to out play their fellow club member. It was a very evenly matched first quarter, Lila Rudd, GS for the B, shooting with precision and consistency eased her team into a 5-goal advantage, which allowed them to settle into their stride. The C team’s mid court trio of Ann Marie Pereira WD, Elise Huckerby C and Lauren Halliwell WA were instrumental in gaining turnovers for their side, their speed and agility gaining them valuable interceptions. It was the two Goal Keepers, Jemma Larose (B team) and Jackie Pannenborg (C team) who were awarded Player of the Match, their dogged determination in not wanting to allow their opponent the ball and 100% effort in guarding their defence area was commendable. The final quarter was claimed as a victory for the C as they converted 13 shots to the B Team’s 10, but the damage had been done, and the B Team took the game 51-35.
In a much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash, the two undefeated Division 2 leaders, St Brelade A and Accies C, went head-to-head in a thrilling encounter. St Brelade A came out firing and quickly seized the advantage, with every player hitting top form. In the shooting circle, Rochelle Alison (GA/GS) and Rosie McManus (GS/GA) delivered a masterclass in movement and accuracy, combining superbly to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The mid-court unit of Amanda Clarke (WD), Jess Adams (C), Helen Twite (WA) and Tara Richardson (WA) were equally impressive, moving the ball seamlessly through the court, producing sharp interceptions and maintaining excellent control and tempo. In defence, Maddie Higton (GD) and Lucy Anthony (GK) operated as a formidable duo, applying relentless pressure on the Accies shooters, securing crucial tips and rebounds throughout. It was an outstanding all-round performance from St Brelade A, who secured a commanding 56–31 victory and closed out the first half of the season unbeaten.
Elsewhere in Division 2, St Saviour B got off to a quick start in their game against St Ouen A, taking the lead in the first quarter with some great defensive work. However, St Ouen A fought back and worked hard to win the game 40-27 with some great teamwork across the court, namely from Player of the Match Julie Gould (WA), whose ability to find space and feed the ball around St Saviour’s tough defence was instrumental. Player of the Match for St Saviour B was Adella Sudbury.
In Division 3, St Brelade B came back to win 51–47 against Accies E in a tight top-of-the-table match. The game started strong, with the first quarter ending 11–10 to Accies, showing right away how close it would be. Accies stayed two goals ahead in both the second and third quarters, with their shooting on great form throughout. St Brelade’s skill and experience shone as the game progressed, with outstanding defensive pressure from Ashleigh Taylor (GK/GD) and Talia Morris (GK/GD), who put on an excellent display of discipline, teamwork, and resilience to keep Accies’ scoring opportunities to a minimum. The mid-court unit was decisive and dynamic, matching Accies for pace and disrupting their flow with clean intercepts and confident, controlled play. In the shooting circle, Skye Clifford (GA) and Brody Morris (GS) combined brilliantly, showing sharp movement and accuracy under pressure. Going into the last quarter at 38–36, both teams pushed hard knowing the result could go either way. Ultimately, St Brelade B’s composure in the final quarter proved decisive. With a strong push in the closing minutes, they overturned the deficit and secured an impressive 51–47 victory. Zoe Morales was Player of the Match for Accies, while Leonie de Castro earned it for St Brelade’s after a solid performance in centre.
Also in Division 3, St Brelade C claimed a 31–13 win over St Lawrence D, controlling the game from the outset. Shooters Isla Singleton-Riley and Lolly Waters combined well in the circle, with Isla receiving Player of the Match. Solid team pressure and quick transitions helped St Brelade pull clear and secure a confident victory.
Hoping to continue their unbeaten streak so far this season, St Clement B went up against St Ouen B in the final Division 3 match of 2025. The game started evenly matched, with the ball going end to end. St Clement showed their strength as a team, especially in attack, as the excellent shooting of Player of the Match, Chloe Ham-Howes alongside Lesley Godfray (GA) is sure to be a reason for the team’s success this season. St Ouen played with increased confidence this week, despite taking on the top of the table, with Lauren Byrne (GK) and Sarah Ramasawmy (GD) working well to challenge their opponents in the circle. Emma Le Main (WD) provided crucial interceptions for the Blues, with Lucy Fox (Centre) picking up another Player of the Match accolade for St Ouen for her consistent support across the court. St Clement began to pull away in the second half, with St Ouen making errors that were quickly converted into goals by the Eastern side. Despite some tough defence, St Ouen’s Zoe Barrett-Banks (GS) and Sarah Attwood (GA) were able to continue to find space in the circle to keep themselves on the scoreboard. A valiant effort from St Ouen saw that remain within half, however St Clement took their 6th consecutive win at 57-39.
