MONMOUTH ladies first team played their third match in the second half of season against Ystrad B on Monday 3rd March.

Having lost their last two games on the bounce, Monmouth were looking to secure a much needed win over Ystrad, who were sitting at the bottom of the table before the match.

From the first centre pass, Monmouth were on top with excellent, accurate passing from the centre court players Emma King and Kali-Jade Cross into the shooters.

As expected from this team, the pressure began to mount, as the Ystrad defence were tight and not giving the attack an inch. Monmouth converted when necessary but Ystrad ended the quarter still very much in the game, only trailing by two goals.

Monmouth came out strongly in the second quarter, looking to extend their lead. The Monmouth defence of Mandy Davies and Vanessa Ball worked tirelessly to force the shooters away from their desired space.

They made several interceptions and successful turnovers which were able to be quickly converted through the centre court and into the Monmouth goal.

Laura Griffiths and Lizzie Price, played half a game each at wing defence, which proved to be a vital position for breaking down the Ystrad attack.

Both players did brilliantly to stay strong against a tough opponent. Monmouth began to extend their lead in the third quarter, but the game was far from won, and both shooters Holly Hall and Nina Booker managed to keep their cool and convert under pressure.

Monmouth went in to the final quarter of the game with extra energy, knowing that they had to up their game to keep their lead and extend it further.

Gradually, the Ystrad team became tired and struggled to keep their shape and fluidity. It became increasingly easy for Monmouth to break down, allowing the home side to eventually win the game 43-34.

Monmouth showed great strength and team spirit to win the game, as it was certainly not made easy for them.

The player of the match for Monmouth, voted by Ystrad, was captain Emma King and the player's player for Monmouth was Mandy Davies, both for their versatility and effectiveness in defence and attack.