A busy week for Mavericks and some definite lows in there too; training as Maggie Jackson had predicted would be difficult but the trip down the M40 on the Friday evening was an opportunity to put some good team work together. From the first whistle Mavericks were strong; Naomi Siddall contested every ball and the pressure created errors by Brunel and suddenly Mavericks found space throughout the court. Lindsay Press was strong against some tough defensive play by Bello and Hutchinson and converted both penalties and marked shots.
The second quarter was the telling quarter 14 -5; strong attacking through court by Campbell and Siddall and Jones and Muller linking in around the circle edge finding both Wiseman and press. Wiseman will not be happy with her shooting percentage but she achieved the crucial shots that made a significance difference. Brunel changed their defence in the third quarter and this combined with Mavericks unforced errors when bringing the ball out of the back created a 11-11 quarter score. Another change by Brunel meant McFarlane and Siddall were now dealing with a mobile shooting circle; in time they adapted and McFarlane produced some exciting interceptions. The London derby was not a dazzling match or fantastic skill level but it was a win and the 2 points were under the belt
A much better performance and well deserved win – however there will be no slack as Mavericks has still got a lot of work to do.