Youth Show Form Against Northumbria

Saturday 5th January 2008
Won 54 - 25

First match back after the christmas break, with an unusually quiet yet packed crowd, Mavericks Youth picked up right where they left off, with the first half of the season without a defeat, this game proved to be no different. Although the game started off fairly slow for both teams with Northumbria creating a turnover and getting the first goal, this didn’t deter Mavericks, the attack worked hard and with a solid defence producing tips and intercepts they managed to push into a confident lead of 12 goals to 5.

The second quarter saw a change in defence with Abi Ryan switching from GK to GD, and Josie Huckle in at GK. Youth confirmed that the first quarter was just a warm up, and came out looking confident and in control. Every player on court used tight man-on-man marking which proved effective and Northumbria found it hard to score. Northumbria put up a good fight in defence and limited the opportunities for Mavericks. However, the Youth squad were patient and were not prepared to give in to the pressure and give the ball away. Using the WD to back up when options were scarce opened up the game and enabled them to work their way cleverly into the circle to get the all important goals. This quarter saw Mavericks storm ahead to 27-10.

With the Youth pulling away, more changes could be made in the 3rd quarter. Starting with a new shooting duo, Chantelle Hankin at GS and Michaela McFarlane in at GA, and also Shana Potgieter in at C and Kelsey Nolan at WD. Shana Potgieter was taken off half way with an ankle injury, so Sophia Candappa came on for her replacement. The squad coped well with the changes, shooting continued to be accurate, showing how many different combinations the coaches could put on and the Mavericks squad would still prove to be very strong. Northumbria carried on fighting and showed character and strength to make the 3rd quarter more of an even match. However, solid defence from Mavericks created turnovers which the quick and accurate attack converted, this enabled them to advance their lead further to 39 goals to 17.

The 4th quarter started with the Youth squad showing their versatility and depth by changing 5 positions. Ellesse Lee came in at GK, with Josie Huckle at GD, Steph Collard in at WD, Kelsey Nolan in the middle at C and Zoe Murdoch in at GA. Again another shooting combination didn’t slow the Mavericks down at all, Northumbria’s defence worked hard and put on a lot of pressure, however, the youth attack were patient with the ball, and good play and understanding saw triangles and quick play getting the ball through. Northumbria were not dampened by the score and were picking up their game throughout, they managed to win back a few more goals with good passing and play making but with the time running out and Mavericks defence constantly making good intercepts and forcing errors, it was too little too late.

With the end score a impressive 54-25 from the Mavericks Youth it looks like their squad is on top form and still improving! With an important away game against Team Bath Youth this weekend, Mavericks Youth will in no way become complacent and want to continue their winning form.

By Laura O'Mahony
(Mavericks Youth)

Photographs by Mavericks Official Photographer Kevin Jones
These are available to purchase and Kevin has a wide selection of senior and youth photos. Email Kevin Jones.

Lots of changes for the versatile squad...