Louisa 97% Against Leeds!

Saturday 26th January 2008
Won 62 - 38

The last time Mavericks met Leeds it was clear that Mavericks had been the dominant team but Leeds through their shooting had gone away with the 2 points; the return match this week started goal for goal; neither team giving way to the other. Tracey Neville and Karen Greig, screening and working the circle well and at the other end Monique Wood and Louisa Brownfield pairing up the first time this season scoring in equal fashion. Mavericks appeared to have the edge and pulled away but Leeds were determined and going into the 15 minute break there was a goal separating the teams.

Tighter marking by Amanda Newton and Nicole McFarlane and better switching around the defensive circle edge caused Leeds to have more problems and the 7 goal margin at half time was still not a significant difference but the centre court of Clare Elsley and Karen Atkinson, back for her first game this SL season had been given an airing and although there were errors there were glimpses of some quick interaction between the 4 attackers.

Maggie Jackson; needing to look at specific squad combinations brought Claire Higham in at GK and Ann Marie Muller went in at WA with Karen Atkinson switching to the centre role and Wood and Brownfield switched over. This change in attacking pace brought dividends for Mavericks in the initial 8 minutes with Leeds not scoring….. and Mavericks turning the ball over in the defending circle; Claire Higham, a player who has not had an enormous amount of court time but has been impressive in training with her tight marking – a job that was essential on the Greig/Neville duo. This tight marking enabled Amanda to turn over the ball and drive with Siddall the attack through the centre court. Misunderstanding on occasions by the squad created errors enabling Leeds to come back into the game and there was only a 10 goal margin at the 45th minute. Michelle Hall, a player who is showing real squad cohesiveness and able to come onto the court at any time was brought into the GA spot and Elsely returned to the court; the speed and space meant a dominant quarter followed with a final 62-38 win.

A very competitive game by both squads and Mavericks knew they had had to create the win themselves. Louisa Brownfield showed that her active rest since World Championships has not affected her shooting with only one miss in the first match back for Mavericks.

Mavericks know now they have to pick up the pace in training and create a better understanding in all units with the different combinations that are available for the rest of the season.