Match Reports: 29/01/2022
Winter League 2021/2022 Knock Out Cup & Plate Semi Finals
Foxton Mavericks v Club Corezze
This Saturday was semi-finals day for the Cup and the Plate competitions, and what a day of matches it turned out to be. Every team won at least a quarter and the largest score difference was seven goals. The first Cup semi-final saw Club Corezze take to the court against Foxton Mavericks. The Mavericks started strong signalling their intention for the rest of the game. Nat Billington had her eye from the beginning and was a formidable force in the Mavericks attack, whilst Jodie Bellamy closed the Club Correze shooters down at the other end of the court. At the quarter time Mavericks were leading by 15 goals to 6. At quarter time, Club Correze regrouped and came back to take the second quarter. Lexi Moakes in the Corezze centre bib making some key interceptions to turn the ball over and narrow the score to 25-17.
The third quarter was another close run thing with the teams going goal for goal. Mavericks just edged the quarter taking the score to 38-29 by the end of the third quarter. Corezze were not prepared to go down without a fight. Jo Hitchcock lifted her game to another level, keeping the ball out of the Mavericks shooting circle, helping Corezze take the final quarter 10-7. The final score was 45-39 to the Foxton Mavericks.
Snowfinders v Foxton Flyers
The first Plate semi-final saw Snowfinders take on the other Foxton side, the Flyers, for a nail-biting game. Both teams came out with determination to win the game. The Snowfinders came out of the blocks fastest and took the first few goals, with Poppy Mayer making some early turnovers in the Foxton attacking circle. However, Flyers found their flow and pulled it back so at the end of the first quarter, Snowfinders were only one ahead at 11-10. The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Grace Clarke maintained the work-rate for Snowfinders with some great connecting play through the centre court allowing them to increase their lead by another goal taking it to 23-21.
At half time Flyers took the opportunity to reset and they came back with a new lease of life for the second half. Justine Tilson was everywhere, picking up every loose ball and getting it to the goal. The Flyers took the third quarter 14-9, leaving the score at 35-32 to the Flyers after the third quarter. The final quarter did not disappoint, with both teams going virtually goal for goal throughout. Flyers just edged the quarter and took the game 46-42.
Vanelli Vixens v CC Wellbeing
The second Cup semi final was between Vanelli Vixens and CC Wellbeing and no less thrilling from the opening whistle. The first quarter saw the two sides evenly matched with a brilliant battle in the centre role between Elena Bensi for the Vixens and Rachel Blakey for Wellbeing, both giving it everything for their team. The score at the end of the first quarter was 11 goals each. In the second quarter Wellebing ramped up the pace and the Vixens just couldn’t keep up. Natasha Litchfield made some key interceptions turning the ball for Wellbeing, and Tracey Glover closed down the
Vixens attack, limiting the ball into their shooting circle. By half time, Wellbeing had pulled ahead by ten goals taking the score to 25-15. The Vixens did not give up though. They came back with renewed vigour and determination in the second half. Sophie Pounds worked hard in the Goal Shooter position to lose the defence and get the ball through the net. Vixens took the third quarter 9-8. They continued their charge in the final quarter with Izzy Christopher keeping the defence tight for the Vixens, narrowing Wellbeing’s lead further, but it wasn’t quite enough. Wellbeing took the win 39-32 at the final whistle, and a place in the final of the Cup against Foxton Mavericks.
The second plate semi-final was postponed to a later date, meaning Foxton Flyers are yet to find out who they will face in the final of the Plate.
