Mizuno Premier Division Three: Essex Open 46 Cumberland 39

Essex Open remain second in Mizuno Premier Division Three after a 46-39 victory at home to Cumberland.

Open started slowly, having plenty of the ball, but finding it hard to get it into the circle for the shooters.

In an end-to-end first quarter, the two rivals found themselves locked level at 11-11 by the end of it.

The second period continued to be tight, with goals hard to come by as both defences held firm.

Cumberland, however, did enough to edge the second quarter and took a 20-19 lead into half-time, having rallied from 18-15 down.

In the third quarter, though, Essex finally found their feet with a period of control that ultimately won them the match.

Zoie Humphrey and Jasmin Odeogberin were outstanding in defence, while Rose Morgan-Smith dominated the centre court, allowing Open to build a seven-goal lead.

Cumberland showed great fight to claw their way back into the match early in the final quarter and set up a thrilling finale.

Essex, though, were able to step up a gear late on in the fourth period to hold on to their lead and triumph.

Victory leaves Open just a point behind leaders Leyton in the Mizuno Premier Division Three standings.

Open: Humhrey, Odeogberin, Wilks, Morgan-Smith, Lawrence, Humphries, Oshodi, Campbell, Tchine, Glenn.

• Essex Open under-16s enjoyed an impressive 28-18 success over their Sabina rivals.

However, the under-16s did suffer a 33-22 defeat against Breakaways.

Open: Boyce, Paine, Mbanu, Blainey, Gibbins, Hammond, Swani, Acons, May, Sheehy.