Sunday saw the return match against Northants JMs in the East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 2. Unfortunately, a very sluggish start saw Grasshoppers quickly fall behind and they were losing at the end of the first quarter. Coach, Anne Melling made several changes, which proved to be good ones, as Grasshoppers caught up and then overtook JMs to lead at half time.
Unfortunately, Grasshoppers could not maintain their level of play during the third quarter though and JMs began to dominate through some consistent and accurate shooting from their GS. Despite close marking in the defensive circle and some good interceptions from Grasshopper’s Player of the Match, Kate Garner, JMs extended their lead going into the final quarter. Grasshopper’s game began to flow a little more during the last fifteen minutes and they made a concerted effort to level the score. However, their efforts were in vain as JMs maintained their lead and deservedly won the game by 4 goals. Final score: Northants JMs 40 – 36 Grasshopper NC. Lincoln made a convincing return to the East Midlands Regional League Division 2 with a win over TFC Too. The Imps have had numerous knee injuries and so had to adapt their squad over the season. Megan Samways returned to regional competition at Centre (C), whilst Anna Gilbert slotted in at Goal Attack (GA). The rest of the team remained unchanged.
Both teams were excellent in the first quarter, but Lincoln edged ahead through consistent shooting from Becky Baker and precise feeds from Abby Johnson. Megan and Lizzie Saywell made numerous interceptions allowing Lincoln’s attack to convert time after time. The score after the first quarter was 18-10 to Lincoln.
Iceni managed to win against Grasshoppers 36-33.
After taking a good lead in the first quarter Iceni looked like they would win the game with ease but Grasshoppers put up a great fight and brought back the gap by the second and third quarter resulting in a nail biting fourth quarter. However, it just wasn't enough with Iceni’s strong attack and defence. Laina Richardson(C) held the team together in centre court resulting her being voted ‘Player of the Match, an all-round good effort and win for Iceni Grasshopper Netball Club sported its new netball kit on Sunday, but this was not enough to secure them a win an ‘away win’ against a very slick, strong Sleaford Barge side.
Sleaford began the game in top form, romping to a 10-goal lead at the end of the first quarter (20-10). The Lincolnshire team then capitalised on their good start in the second quarter, as Grasshoppers were still trying to find their feet. By half time, the score had reached 38-16 in Sleaford’s favour. Coach Anne Melling made several changes for the third quarter, bringing on Kate Garner at GK and Sarah Melling at WD, with Laura Harbour moving from that position to C (Selina Jones and Tracy Glover making way). This was a better contested quarter, with Grasshopper just losing it by 2 goals, 12-10. However, in spite of rallying and keeping the team the same for the final quarter, Grasshopper could not compete and lost it 16-6, leaving an overall final score of Sleaford Barge 66-32 Grasshopper NC. The score line meant that Grasshoppers just missed out on securing ‘half score’ but despite the defeat, Grasshopper players never gave up and gave their all for the entire game. On Sunday 24th November the most anticipated netball match of the year so far commenced. With both teams undefeated, it was set to be a good match as Lincoln City took on newly-formed Southgate of Derbyshire.
The starting line-up was similar to the team who defeated Northants JM’s, with the exception of Lucy Heathershaw who was reinstated as GD. Lizzie Saywell made a fantastic interception as GK and Amy Womersley was strong at receiving centre passes. Lincoln pushed hard in the first quarter with Becky Baker’s exceptional shooting, but Southgate were too strong as they took a nine-goal lead, leaving Lincoln trailing 11-20 after the first quarter. This week saw a clash of league leaders, with both Southgate and Lincoln City tied on 25 points. The spirit of the game was evident from the first whistle with high levels of physicality and competitiveness for the ball but it was Southgate who settled first with swift shooting from Nina Warren and Olivia Mason. The quality of play was maintained throughout by both sides and impressive shooting could be seen at either end of the court. Southgate managed to pull away in the second quarter though through interceptions from debutant Leanne Clayton at Goal Defence who demonstrated a high work rate when bringing the ball through court in attack. Changes were made in Quarter Three, Sarah Guy taking to the court in at WD. The game finished with a close fourth quarter – the ball exchanging hands and both teams working hard to the last whistle. Final score 69 - 41 in Southgate’s favour.
Jackie Milsom, making her regional debut for Southgate, proved vital in defence at Goal Keeper and was therefore deservedly nominated ‘Player of the match’ by Lincoln City. Starting 7: Olivia Mason (GS) Nina Warren (GA) Emma Warren (WA) Olivia Murphy (C) Louise Shaw (WD) Leanne Clayton (GD) Jackie Milsom (GK / player of the match) Shooting Stats
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