Monmouth played Haberdashers School for Girls first team and a close game was expected. In the four years Monmouth Netball League has been running this match has always proven to be the most challenging and competitive game for both teams.

Last season, the Haberdashers beat Monmouth to the winners title for the first time; therefore tension was high at the beginning of the match with determination from both teams.

Monmouth started well with Becky Williams, Molly Pritchard and Caroline Owen in Defence, Lisa English at Center, Emma King, Captain Mandy Davies and Kate Hapgood in Attack.

Both teams were going point for point but by the end of the quarter Monmouth headed the scoreboard by 9-8. Before the second quarter Monmouth were privileged to have senior qualified coach Carol Anthony, who was able to assist Mandy Davies with team talk, feeding back on good play, errors made and possible improvements.

A few changes were made to the team bringing on Becky Hoggin to Goal Keeper.

The encouraging words during the break proved positive for Monmouth, allowing them to hold on to their lead and going into half time 15-13. Final changes were made to the playing seven before entering the third quarter, with attacking player Emma King moving into defence and Molly Pritchard into attack.

With changes made and uplifting support Monmouth were fortunate to have on the sideline the team stepped up their play and extended their lead, leaving Haberdashers to watch the point difference grow.

The Monmouth defence worked hard, intercepting Haberdashers passes and taking the ball quickly back into attack and allowing both shooters, Davies and Hapgood to put more points on the board.

By the end of the third quarter Monmouth had managed to outplay Haberdashers, taking their lead to 28-19. After the final coaching words from Carol Anthony, Monmouth played outstandingly in the last quarter, in particular defenders Hoggins, Owen and King, only allowing three goals from Haberdashers, intercepting passes and supporting center player Lisa English.

She brought the ball quickly into attack for Monmouth to put even more points between the two teams. By the final whistle Monmouth had secured an outstanding win by 42-21.

Both teams played superbly, but Monmouth showed just how strong they are. With the first half of the season nearly over, Monmouth have undoubtedly proved they are in good stead for reclaiming the winners title. There are still many games to play however, which could turn everything around so it is important Monmouth up their training and continue in to the second round of the league the way they have began.

Monmouth would like to take this opportunity to thank Brian Williams from RPS Properties for sponsoring the team's new kit, Carol Anthony for coaching the team prior to the match as well as during and to Mike Bennett for taking team pictures.

A belated thanks also goes from the whole club to The Riverside Hotel who kindly donated their function room, allowing the team to hold a successful fundraising disco, which with their support and a good turn out, enabled the club to raise around £500 for the funds.