Not an ideal start to the season when two of our very own Tigers girls are drawn against each other for Week 2 of the season.
Both Roses and Saffrons play this seasons netball in Division 3 of the Beds & District Netball League this year … and with that there was always going to be a time where they would pit their wits against each other, just would of been nicer a little bit later in the season.

With that being said, the outcome was a fantastically competitive game of netball with excitement and suspense right until the final whistle. An excellent example of what grass roots sports is all about.

As a marker for fair play and sportsmanship, rather then the away team needing to change strip where club colours match, it was agreed both teams would wear bibs, Roses in the reds and Saffrons in the greens. … and that is how the game would go, fiercely competitive but very respectful between their sisters on the court and sportsmanship displayed throughout.

Roses narrowly getting pushed up into Division 3 last minute would suggest they had the tougher task on their hand, their second league game having drawn their first against a thought Grangers side.
Saffrons on the other hand, was their first league game after a comfortable friendly win against a Division 4 BCNC team.
Both teams had a full compliment of players to choose from before taking to court 4 and respective captains, Emily and Luna leading them to the first quarters whistle.

First quarter Roses had some early chances under the post and made opportunities but a slow start gave way for Esme to capitalise 3 times with no response, taking Saffrons into an early lead.
Roses were hampered again with conceding a few too many penalties, given possession away too readily but with two goals close to the whistle, it was brought to a close 3-2 end to the first quarter.

The second quarter really saw the blue print for the game; Saffrons the taller side, smartly making the most out of their height and playing some direct netball down the court to find their star shooter. Esme is on fire so far this season and this game was no different, only missing one from under the post all game (… and that was because she was obstructed by the sun). Roses used their fitness to their advantage, a bit more dynamic around the court and had to work through the thirds more to find success. Working hard feeding into the circle and only using those overhead passes where it was absolutely on otherwise is would be snapped up by the long arms of Jhene in GK. The partnership between Lucille and Emily of the Roses continued to pay off more and more as the game progressed but a well drilled Saffrons side benefitted from a drill, playing the ball out wide and feeding into the circle to find their success was also paying off.
The game was back and forth with very little in it… the second quarter ending similarly to the first. 6-5 Saffrons!

A knee injury sadly forced Lana from Saffrons onto the bench for the remainder of the game whilst the third quarter saw a further seven goals dropped into the net with a slight advantage of 2 goals in favour of the Saffrons; Luna getting her first goal of the game as she moved into a shooting position after a hard fought and well contested battle in mid court with Roses Georgie who was putting on a great defensive display.
Flashes of brilliance came from Roses with two rare 7 pass streak, where all players in all positions had a part to play in the goal, moving the ball neatly and quickly from back to front but every time they thought they might creep into the lead the resilience and persistence from the Saffrons was felt, never letting Roses take the upper hand in the game.

As the forth quarter got under way at 10-8, irrespective of the outcome this had been a fantastic game! The energy levels and effort on the court was something different then the average weekly game and the support was that little bit louder, that little bit prouder! Both teams had really left it all out on the court. At times frantic, not always perfect netball but a great advert for competitive team sport… the learning, the togetherness and the growth that all will take from that game.

The final quarter saw Saffrons continue to chip away and just edge ahead despite Roses best efforts with another scorer on the board in the name Rose.

Final Score - Bedford Tigers Saffrons 14 Bedford Tigers Roses 10

Coaches Player Saffrons - Esme
For her clinical finishing and dominance in he circle

Coaches Play Roses - Georgie
For her excellence energy levels and defensive display, making interception after interception

A great first win for the Saffrons get them off to great start in the league. Roses have had two tough battles and will be hoping for a win against Maulden Leopards when they return after the Easter Break.

Two very different teams, one Tigers ethos! Well done girls!