In just our third Northern Conference fixture so far, as well as being a group who would be hard to beat at Scrabble (check out the surnames!), Mystics U14 1 showed great togetherness and teamwork to record an emphatic 98-29 victory over a battling Lancashire Spinners last Sunday. The bulk of the scoring was done by the game’s outstanding player, Olivia Forster, who, amazingly, still has another year at this level. Olivia was ably backed up by the supremely athletic Kizzy Spence and the pocket dynamo Nia Molloy. More gratifyingly, all 12 Mystics registered points, including an impressive late flurry from Lia Vourliotis and Zara Masadeh-Tate.

Disappointingly, Charli Wroe’s contribution was drastically curtailed by illness so point guard duties were shared for the most part by Lily Hayes and Daisy Bryant. Both again demonstrated their ability to play with poise and intelligence, making sound decisions throughout.

Spinners deserve mention for the part they played in a game conducted in excellent spirit. Their tall centre, R Smith caused us problems in the first half at high post but this Mystics side is full of bright athletes who are keen to learn and improve. Despite giving up several inches in height (and even more centimetres!), Esha Nayar and Emily Wood responded to advice and defended with enormous resolve in a controlled, efficient manner after the interval.

Eleni Vourliotis had been out of action due to a netball- related injury(!) but she more than made up for lost time with an eye-catching display. She combined expertly with her ever-improving cousin, Jo whenever they were on court together and her passing was a pleasure to behold. All in all, it was a delight to watch this young team share the ball and do the simplest thing to get the job done.

Thanks to James for his words of wisdom (fortunately not of the Norman variety) and to messrs. Forster and Nayar plus mesdames Forster and Vourliotis for their help as well as the much-appreciated family and friend support which we will need in our next game this Saturday against Leeds at 1:00pm.

Jim