Rezzers’ youngsters make the difference

In previous seasons Rezzers Green have largely owed their Deloitte Winter League success to a strong core group of seniors, but Tuesday night’s convincing 53-36 win over long-term rivals Blaze gave a particularly good showcase of three promising under-19s – including player of the match Emma Sykes.

Alongside fellow youngsters Erin Sullivan and Harriet Savident in centre court, the established GA helped the reigning champions succeed with a depleted squad at the Grammar School.

Likewise, ever-improving junior shooter Vicky Yabsley earned Blaze’s POM honours.

Rezzers got off to a fairly modest start to edge the first quarter 11-8.

But their players warmed up and found their feet in quarter two, allowing them to reach half-time with a very solid lead – 29-13.

Blaze responded by ringing the changes, including Abbie Greening moving into her newer position of C and Zola Saunders circle-swapping from GK to GS. The previously-injured Kim Le Lacheur took up WD.

Rezzers barely grew their lead from there, edging the third quarter 12-11 and breaking even in the final stanza.

With Rezzers captain Tiff Gervaise-Brazier among the absentees, GS Anna Trump credited the aforementioned juniors for their recent steps up.

‘Those three and Evie [Robinson], who was not playing last night, have come on leaps and bounds in their first full season in the team,’ she said.

Several up-and-coming players have got more court time this season through the rotating substitutes rule, but Sykes has become a true staple of the Rezzers first team.

‘Emma has been a star this year,’ Trump said.

‘Her shooting accuracy, her patience, her calm demeanour, that has been a huge help, more so now than last year.’

She added: ‘It was a nice, clean game.

‘It was really well-contested and played in really good spirits.

‘I know Blaze have been struggling with squad availability, but it felt really balanced despite that.’

Last week, a depleted Blaze side had suffered an unusual loss to Lightning’s B team – who have also come on emphatically this season.

But they came in better-equipped this time and matched the league leaders for most of the game.

League commissioner Bridget Yabsley has praised the progress of her daughter, who is now making senior starting sevens for Blaze.

‘I think Vicky’s settled in really well,’ she said.

‘Even though she’s the youngest member of the team, I think they do look at her as an inspiring member of the team.

‘She’s full of enthusiasm, she likes to compete and she likes to organise.’

Yabsley senior added: ‘It was a game of two halves. Once they rearranged their team, they came alight in the second half.’

Just beforehand, Lightning A welcomed the signing of returning star Steph Batiste as they shot down Rezzers Black 61-30.

The experienced Panthers player provided a useful WA option on her first match back and is now eligible for the rest of the season.

The Lightning attack proved too tough for Rezzers’ B team to overcome, mixing good

penetration and effective circle rotation.

After a gentler start, Lightning put in a barnstorming 23-7 second quarter and could not be challenged from there.

Opposing GDs Sammie Cox and Evie McGall – another junior – took POM honours.