Match Reports: 09/09/2023
Winter League 2023/2024 Round 1
Round 1 Matches
Saturday was witness to some very HOT netball in what felt like a sauna in the big green dome! Extra scheduled water breaks meant the day could go ahead but it was certainly a sweaty one!
The opening match of the day was between PeActive Netball Club and Foxton Mavericks. It was PeActive who started stronger against last years champions leading 10-4 at the end of the first quarter due to the great defending of Cheryl Smith who worked tirelessly. Mavericks came back out fighting and Katie Purnell was exceptional in defence and helped her team get back in the game. Jackie Brookes and new signing Catherine Dear worked hard in Centre court for PeActive and despite the best efforts of Charlotte Asprey for Mavericks kept them at bay leading to a convincing 27-18 win.
Foxton Flyers played Vanelli Vixens. Vixens young side have seen an influx of new players following departures to University and they proved a force to be reckoned with. Tilly Dargie at Centre for Vixens was strong throughout and showed some great linking play across the court. Justine Tilson GA for Flyers was on fine form and despite helping her team to a lead at the end of the first quarter Flyers trailed 28-31 going into the final quarter. Becky Donhoe at WA for Flyers showed her worth but Georgia Mepham who came as sub made the difference to the young side and aided the 49-36 win.
Aircare Lightning took on Turners Tornadoes in the second round of the day. Lightning were quick off the blocks and immediately took an impressive 30-2 lead thanks to the sharp shooting of Amy Hayward at GA.
Sophie Chester at Centre for Turners showed some moments of creativity with Liv Johnson at WD but Lisa Gariano who came on as sub had other ideas shutting down the play. Hannah Keynon at GK for Aircare was on fire and kept Turners out of the game throughout. Final score and impressive 52-13 victory to Aircare.
Club Corezze met Lutterworth Robins who we welcome back to the Harborough league this season. Corezze took an immediate lead thanks to the great movement of Tilly Higgs at GA who linked well with Steph Sinclair at WA. Leading 27-11 at halftime Robins needed to make changes. Becca George moved to GA to work well with Tigs Harrison at C which made an impact but wasn't quite enough to challenge the Corezze team who took the game 52-28.
The final game of the day was a one-sided affair between Aircare Thunder and Harborough Harriers. Elise Whearity at GS was impressive from the outset securing a 24-6 lead at halftime. Harriers made some changes and Sophie Weston was able to make some impact and Wendy Cray at GK made some well-timed interceptions but the incredible movement of Ellie Chapman at GA just proved too much for Harriers. Thunder 48-20 winners and off to a great start to the season!
