Leicestershire’s Falcons Black’s final home game of the season was against Worcester Reds (14/04/13).
The team had a new pairing at the back with Issy Beighton partnering Jodie Gibson – an exciting netballer who also plays for Loughborough Lightning. Worcester Reds took an early lead off Falcons Black’s centre pass when the away team’s Wing Defence (WD) and Goal Defence (GD) applied enough pressure to force Falcons Black into making an inaccurate pass. However, Falcons Black hit back and applied pressure of their own through the court – their attacking strategy being to look after the ball to goal with clean options. The strategy worked and Worcester Reds led by just a solitary goal at quarter time (11-10). Due to unforeseen circumstances, Loughborough-based Falcons Black only had a squad of 6 for their away game against Kent (31/03/13).
Even so, Falcons Black made a promising start against the home team. Their tactics were to slow the ball up for any of Kent’s centre passes and delay it getting to the circle edge, which proved very effective and allowed the team to match Kent goal for goal for most of the first quarter. In fact, it was just 4 turnovers from Kent which saw them take a slight advantage going into the first break, with a 12 - 8 lead. With the majority of the squad available, Loughborough-based Falcons Black aimed to build on their previous performance in an attempt to move away from the relegation playoff places in their latest England Netball Prem 2 game (3 March 2013).
Sunday saw a somewhat depleted Falcons Black squad make their way to play Turnford in their latest England Netball Premier League 2 match.
On the 10th February, Falcons Black Netball Club played Grangetown in the Premier League division 2. After a loss to the team earlier in the season, Falcons Black were determined to set the record straight this time around.
The Falcons Black starting line up from GS to GK was Charlotte Roye, Christie Simpson, Hannah Joseph, Katie Flaherty, Dom McKee, Kaylea McQuade and Lauren Steadman. Going into 2013, Falcons Black were sitting ninth in the league and at risk of being in the play offs against a team from the division below or even worse, outright relegation to Prem 3. Therefore the players and management went into this Sunday’s game looking for a win or at the very least some points to build on for the remainder of the season (13/01/13).
The first game of the new year was against fourth-placed Linden (a West Midlands-based team) and so Falcons Black knew it was going to be a tough game. However, the East Midlands team also had a greater belief in themselves than at the beginning of the season and were looking for a good start to the game. The first quarter was played at a fast pace and Falcons Black worked hard to turn the ball although they struggled to capitalise on their successful turn overs. At the defensive end of the court, Goal Keeper (GK) Jade Forbes-Whatley linked well with Dominique McKee who was playing out of position at Goal Defence (GD) and between them, the pair created at least five turn overs during the first fifteen minutes. Despite this Falcons Black finished the first quarter five goals down (7-12). Unlike with other bad starts to games from earlier in the season, Falcons Black knew that this was a score they could pull back and the team remained the same for the second quarter. Quarter 2 saw more of the same fast-paced netball, however this time Falcon Black’s attack really took control and punished any mistakes made by Linden. Katie Flaherty (Wing Attack, WA) and Kaylea McQuade (Centre, C) remained calm and safely delivered the ball to their shooters. Linden’s Goal Defence (GD) Lauren Massey (who also plays for the Loughborough Lightning franchise team), upped the pressure in the circle and created several turn overs for the away team. The fifteen minutes were played out with the ball continuously travelling up and down the court and it really was a test of patience and correct decision making that allowed Falcons Black to edge the quarter 11-9 and go in at half time with the score finely poised at 18-21. Linden made some changes in the 3rd quarter including bringing on some fresh legs at Goal Attack (GA) and moving their Wing Defence (WD) to Centre (C). Falcons Black needed a few minutes to adjust to these changes and to get into the quarter but the players took the lessons they had learnt from the first fifteen minutes and began to play sensible netball. The team worked the ball down to the shooters, Christie Simpson (Goal Attack, GA) and Charlotte Roye (Goal Shooter, GS), who both maintained their high shooting percentages despite being put under huge amounts of pressure by the Linden Defence. After what felt like an incredibly long quarter the Falcons Black players had done themselves proud, scoring the most number of goals per quarter in the game so far to win it 12-10 and now only trail by one (30-31). Falcons Black made some changes for the last quarter by bringing on Eleanor Durcan at Wing Attack (WA) and moving Katie Flaherty to Centre (C), with player-coach Kaylea McQuade dropping to the bench. The last 15 minutes were always going to be the toughest for the East Midlands team, both physically and mentally but the players started fantastically well, going up 5-0 in the first few minutes. Sofija Djukic worked tirelessly around the circle to add even more pressure to Linden’s Masego Motaung (another Loughborough Lightning player). Both teams went through playing patches of brilliant netball and then through making unnecessary mistakes but the Falcons Black players managed to sneak ahead by one goal with just 30 seconds to go. Linden came back though and scored with 20 seconds left on the clock. The game could have been anybody’s but as it turned out that was the last goal scored. The final whistle blew with the scores matched at Falcons Black 37-37 Linden. After losing the first quarter by five goals the Falcons Black players had done exceptionally well to bring it back and remain in the game against one of the division’s high-flying teams. The team will next travel to bottom-of-the-table Kent, looking to push on from today’s successes. Falcons Black travelled to Norwich this week to play Thoroughbreds in the England Netball Premier League Division 2 game (16/12/12).
The game took some time to get going, with both the Falcons Black’s and Thoroughbreds’ defences producing a number of turnovers in the early stages. However, it was the home team that opened up the scoring after two minutes of play, which ironically seemed to settle both sides. The game then opened up and some fast through court play followed, with Falcons Black matching Thoroughbreds goal-for-goal. Further defensive pressure by Falcons Black then forced Thoroughbreds to fumble the ball off the back line, which resulted in the away team converting and finish the first quarter one goal up (11-12). Unlike the first period, both teams started the second quarter with patient attacking play, which made it difficult for each side’s defenders to turn over balls. Falcons Black’s Kaylea McQuade (Centre, C) and Katie Flaherty (Wing Attack, WA) were working well around the edge of the attacking circle and providing a number of great feeds to shooters, Christie Simpson and Charlotte Roye. The second quarter ended even at 27-27. Changes were made at half time with Sofija Djukic coming on at Centre (C). The third quarter started in a scrappy manner again as both defences were on top once more, each working tirelessly to turn over whatever they could. In particular, the defensive pressure from Falcons Black’s Dominique McKee (Wing Defence, WD), Lauren Steadman (Goal Defence) and Issy Beighton (Goal Keeper, GK) forced Thoroughbred’s attack into make a number of errors but unfortunately for the away team, they were unable to capitalise on the openings and finished the quarter two goals down (41-39). Thoroughbreds came out firing for the final fifteen minutes, which saw them score the first four goals of the quarter. Falcons Black were slow to respond though and even went a further five goals down. The away team now had a mighty battle on their hands and although they managed to compete for the rest of the quarter, they could not recover from their earlier blow. The final score was 62-52. It is a score line, which didn’t reflect the game, nor did it reflect Falcons Black’s great performance. The team had held their own for most of the match against one of the best sides in the league. The defence had worked well as a unit, whilst the attack had created a number of options, with both shooters on top scoring form. Leicestershire’s Falcons Black’s ninth game of the season took them to Worcester Reds (02/12/12). It was a stressful journey to Telford Arts College but the team managed to take to the court, prepared and ready for the game. Key strategies to focus on in the first fifteen minutes were understood by all and after aphysical but patient first quarter the score reflected how hard the team had worked and well they’d implemented their tactics. Worcester Reds led by just a solitary goal at quarter time (11-10) and Falcons Black were satisfied with their performance and ready to push on in the next quarter. Still, the East Midlands team knew they had to be more clinical in attack and stronger in defence for the next fifteen minutes, especially as the first quarter had demonstrated just how strong Worcester Reds’ Goal Shooter (GS) was.
The second quarter saw Worcester Reds continue to apply pressure on Falcons Black and the home team managed to pick off some vital interceptions in both the mid court and defence. This gave Falcons Black’s opposition the opportunities they needed to increase their lead and the half-time whistle blew with the score 22-16 in Worcester Red's favour. The score line meant that Falcons Black were on the back foot during the third quarter and the team began to feel the pressure a little. This enabled Worcester Reds to reap further rewards and the score after thethird quarter was 34-21. A positive chat and encouragement from the bench was given at the break and with a couple of changes to the line-up made, Falcons Black re-grouped, ready to take to the court for the final quarter. The team looked to challenge Worcester Reds at every opportunity but unfortunately the home team's strength shone through. Their good feeds into the shooter and their physical defensive duo broke down Falcons Black’s attacks on a number of occasions, resulting in a final score of Worcester Reds 46-23 Falcons Black. Although the team lost there was also a real sense that everyone was supporting each other, both on and off the court. This team spirit will stand Falcons Black in good stead as they look work on new strategies during training in the forthcoming weeks. On Sunday 18th November Falcons Black played third in the table, Kent’s Telstars Netball Club, in what turned out to be a nail-biting England Netball Premier League Division 2 encounter.
Playing high-flying Telstars was always going to be difficult for Falcons Black. Injuries meant the squad was somewhat depleted and only seven players were available for selection. However, the disappointment of last week’s loss ensured that the Leicestershire-based, Falcons Black team came out fighting. The players did themselves proud and worked hard for one another on the court. In this season’s previous games, matches had been lost during the first quarter, so it was important that the Falcons Black team started strongly. And started strongly they did. In the first quarter there were some great feeds from Wing Attack (WA) Katie Flaherty to both shooters and at the other end of the court Jade Forbes-Wattley (Goal Keeper, GK) and Lauren Steadman (Goal Defence, GD) turned the ball over numerous times to create multiple attacking opportunities. It was the best first quarter that Falcons Black had played all season and they deserved their two-goal advantage at the end of the 15 minutes. Falcons Black 12-10 Telstars. Quarter two saw both sides make mistakes and miss shots whilst under pressure but these periods were balanced out by other periods of fantastic netball. The score remained close despite Telstars scoring three goals without a Falcons Black reply. Falcons Black’s Hannah Joseph, playing Centre (C), worked tirelessly to move the ball from defence to attack in a composed manner and she linked well with Sofija Djokic, at Wing Defence (WD), to get the ball out safely. Some more forced errors at crucial times allowed Telstars to gain a one-goal lead as the quarter finished, Falcons Black 23-24 Telstars. At half time, Telstars made some changes and it took Falcons Black a few minutes to settle again and bring the scores back level. Falcons Black’s defence continued to force Telstars into mistakes but they struggled to capitalise on these opportunities and it allowed Telstars to stay in the game. Telstars upped the defensive pressure, forcing Falcons Black to play backwards in order to move forward again. Falcons Black’s Christie Simpson then took a knock to the head but the time out worked to the Loughborough team’s advantage. Falcons Black composed themselves and figured out how to overcome Telstars’ tactics and quarter 3 finished with Falcons Black still trailing by only one goal. Falcons Black 33-34 Telstars. After a motivational speech from Falcons Black’s coaches Kaylea McQuade and Donna Swann, Falcons Black went into the fourther quarter knowing they had to give everything to come away with a win. Katie Flaherty moved from Wing Attack (WA) to Centre (C), with Hannah Joseph moving to Wing Attack (WA). The final quarter and therefore the match would be won by the team that could keep their composure. The ball travelled from end to end with both Falcons Black and Telstars shooters converting their chances. It was goal for goal. But then Falcons Black made the first mistake by losing the ball. Jade Forbes-Wattley and Lauren Steadman gave their best efforts to get it back but Telstars gained the first real advantage of the quarter. The clock was ticking and with only three minute left Falcons Black were down by two goals. Sofija Djokic stepped up to the plate and applied some great pressure to Telstars Wing Attack (WA), forcing her into making errors. Suddenly, Falcons Black’s defensive pair were finding easy turn overs. Lauren Steadman took a great interception at a vital time and Falcons Black were able to carry the ball down the court and convert this into a goal. With just forty seconds to go, the scores were even and it was a Falcons Black’s centre pass. All four of the Loughborough team’s attacking players remained calm and carried the ball to shooter Helen Hancock. A long distance shot was risky but necessarily and as it went through the net, the Falcons Black bench roared. It was now the defenders time to shine. As the clock counted down, all of the Falcons Black players dug deep and found their last spurts of energy to delay Telstars’ players. It was not over though, Telstars Goal Shooter (GS) had a chance to shoot and as the ball was in the air the umpire’s final whistle was blown. Despite the shot going in, Falcons Black were victorious by one goal. Final Score: Falcons Black 45-44 Telstars. Starting seven: Helen Hancock (Goal Shooter, GS), Christie Simpson (Goal Attack, GA), Katie Flaherty (Wing Attack, WA), Hannah Joseph (Centre, C), Sofija Djokic (Wing Defence, WD), Lauren Steadman, (Goal Defence, GD), Jade Forbes-Wattley (Goal Keeper, GK) With a full squad available, Loughborough-based Falcons Black travelled to Dudley Leisure this weekend for their England Netball Premier League Division 2 game (11/11/12).
Dudley Leisure were known to be a strong, experienced side but Falcons Black made a promising start against the home team. Jade Forbes-Wattley and Issy Beighton (who also plays for Derby’s Pennine) applied pressure in the defending circle, whilst Charlotte Roye and Helen Hancock linked well in attack, providing Dudley with plenty to think about. Falcons Black finished the first quarter with a 9-13 lead. Quarter time saw Lauren Steadman (who also plays for Derby’s Pennine and Netball Super League Franchise team, Loughborough Lightning) replace Dominique McKee at Wing Defence (WD), Ellie Durcan come on for Hannah Joseph at Centre (C), Helen Hancock move from Goal Attack (GA) to Goal Shooter (GS) and Christie Simpson take to the court at Goal Attack (GA). Steadman’s introduction tightened Falcons Black’s defence, which produced a number of turnovers during the second quarter. However, Dudley Leisure’s defence also increased their pressure on the away team, which not only interrupted the link between Falcons Black’s defence and attack through court but also forced Falcons Black’s attack into errors. Consequently, Steadman and co.’s turnovers were not converted into goals and Dudley Leisure soared ahead to lead 28-13 at half-time. Further changes were made to the Falcons Black team for the third quarter. Hannah Joseph came on at Wing Attack (WA) and Katie Flaherty moved to Centre (C). Lauren Steadman moved to Goal Defence (GD). The changes allowed the away team to approach the game in a much calmer fashion and it wasn’t long before they were dictating the play. Balls, which struggled to get into the attacking circle during the second quarter, were now finding the shooters again and Christie Simpson showed why she had been picked for England U19 squad by putting away shot after shot. It was now Dudley Leisure’s turn to throw balls away as Anna Mulderrig (Wing Defence, WD) stuck to her player like glue and Jade Forbes-Wattley (Goal Keeper, GK) was on hand to pick off any balls that did get through. Steadman also put in another great performance during the quarter and the team effort enabled Falcons Black to close the gap to just eight goals (Dudley Leisure 37-29 Falcons Black). With a win in sight, no changes were made by the away team for the final quarter as they continued to build on their second-half performance. Playing with confidence, Falcons Black brought the score line to within six goals and were closing in on victory. However, two errors in the attacking end allowed Dudley Leisure to break away at pace, which proved to be costly for Falcons Black. Both teams dug deep and maintained their own centre passes for the remainder of the quarter, going goal-for-goal until the end. Ultimately, this meant that the away team couldn’t close the gap anymore and the match ended Dudley Leisure 47-38 Falcons Black. Despite the score line, Falcons Black came away encouraged by their overall performance and in anticipation of the reverse fixture in March next year, where Dudley Leisure would have to travel to Loughborough. Lauren Steadman was awarded the Player of the Match for her brilliant defensive work. Starting line-up: Charlotte Roye (Goal Shooter), Christie Simpson (Goal Attack), Katie Flaherty (Wing Attack), Hannah Joseph (Centre), Dominique McKee (Wing Defence), Issy Beighton (Goal Defence), and Jade Forbes-Wattley (Goal Keeper). |
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