Match Reports: 26/03/22
Winter League 2021/2022 Round 20
Harriers v Snowfinders
The netball week started on Thursday with the rearranged Harborough Harriers v Snowfinders fixture, and it was a game worth waiting for. Both teams started slowly with a low scoring first quarter ending 7-4 to Snowfinders. Both teams stepped it up a gear in the second quarter with some battles in the centre court.
The wing defences for both teams, Flo Whalley and Cara Coyle, making turnovers resulting in the teams going goal for goal. Harriers just edged it, leaving the score at 15-13 to Snowfinders at half time. The third quarter saw Lindsay Collins, the Harriers Goal Keeper come into her own, limiting the balls coming into the Snowfinders attack so they only added three to their tally. By the end of the third quarter Harriers had turned the tables and were leading 24-18. Snowfinders were not to be subdued for long though. In the final quarter stars shone at both ends of the court for Snowfinders. Christie Ziebis was spot on in the shooting circle and Tilly Higgs went all out in defence. The game ended a nail-biting 27 all, with both teams taking equal points from the game.
Siamo v Snowfinders
Snowfinders took to the court again on Saturday, facing Siamo Sirens. The game started close, with the teams fairly evenly matched in the first quarter. Amy McGrory got her eye in quickly in the Siamo shooting circle helping Siamo edge slightly ahead in the first quarter 8-7. The second quarter saw some great play in the centre court, with Poppy Murphy and Becca Wayman battling for every ball.
Snowfinders got the edge and gained some momentum in their comeback taking it to 17-11 in their favour by half time. Carla Sharpe played well in the Siamo defensive circle taking the wind out of Snowfinders sails and limiting them to six in the third quarter. However, Tori Wayman stepped it up again in the Snowfinders' attack in the final quarter taking them to a 34-22 victory.
Turners Tornadoes vs Welland Valley Blinders
Turners Tornadoes started well against Welland Valley Blinders, with Laura Brookes opening the game with some spot on shots. Rebecca Grealish made some great interceptions and connecting balls through to her attack. By half time Turners were 20-10 ahead.
The Blinders were not for giving up and fought hard in the second half. Kathryn Reynolds did not let up the pace in the Blinders centre bib. Karena Matthew-Donawa rallied and strengthened the Blinders defence for the last quarter. The game ended 37-19 to Turners with the Blinders just taking the point they were aiming for, with just over half their opponent's score.
Foxton Flyers v Harborough Harriers
In Harriers second game of the week, they faced Foxton Flyers in a tough match. The Flyers came out strong. Annabelle Pickersgill, at Wing Defence, read the game well, perfectly timing some fantastic interceptions. At half time the score was 25-14 to Flyers. However, the Harriers were not prepared to let the Flyers have it all their own way. They dug deep, winning the third quarter 11-10.
Flo Whalley did her job in the Harriers defence, making it difficult for the Flyers to get it to their attack. Jess Davies was decisive in the centre court getting it through to the Harriers' attack. This stirred the Flyers into a fourth quarter comeback. Justine Tilson, with determined resilience in the Flyers attack, increased their tally by 17 to take the Flyers to a 52-37 win.
Vanelli Vixens vs CC Wellbeing
The first nail biter of the Saturday games belonged to Vanelli Vixens v CC Wellbeing, which was always destined to be an exciting match up. The Vixens managed to get out of the blocks a little bit quicker than Wellbeing and were lightning in the first quarter. They made several turnovers which they consolidated to take the first quarter 12-9.
The second two quarters were very evenly matched with the game going goal for goal, end to end. There were so few mistakes for either team to benefit from. By the end of the third quarter it was 32-29 to the Vixens, still only three goals ahead. In the final quarter, the Vixens found a little more energy, though Wellbeing did a great job of keeping up. The final score was 43-39 to Vixens. An amazing game in which Janet Smith in the Wellbeing attack and Eleni Bensi in the Vixens defence were the stand out players.
Correze vs Foxton Mavericks
The last game of the day, Club Correze v Foxton Mavericks, was the second nail-biter. A thrilling game as the season end draws closer, with both teams in front at different points in the game. The first quarter did not disappoint. Jo Hitchcock in the Correze attack, making some great space for herself in the circle. Beth Shine in the Mavericks defence was not one to be easily beaten though and started the game with intent. Mavericks took the first quarter 13-9, which spurred on Correze to come back fighting in the second quarter.
Kim Walton and Andrea Flewitt were formidable in the Correze attack and they won the second quarter 16-11. At half time it was 25-24 to Correze. The third quarter was the Mavericks turn to shine again. Determined not to be beaten, Emily Bryan was resolute in the centre court, and with some spot on shooting from Natalie Billington, the Mavericks took the third quarter 18-11. Going into the final quarter, the score was 42-36 to the Mavericks. Correze were not done and they continued to fight back throughout the final quarter. On the final whistle, the Mavericks managed to stay just ahead, winning the game 49-48.
