Youth Stop Midlands Sweep

Wednesday 20th February 2008
Drew 33 - 33

This was one the most anticipated games of the session. Mavericks went out on court with the hope of breaking Warriors unbeaten record. The starting 7 was Zoe GS, Charlotte GA, Shana WA, Sophie C, Amy WD, Stephanie GD and Abi at GK.

Within the first 5 minutes of the 1st quarter Warriors took it away and were up however Mavericks Youth weren’t letting them pull away with strong 3 foot marking. It took many players some time to warm up and get into the game but after there were strong fast drives being made by Warriors WA (Masego) which helped them getting the ball into the circle. Mavericks Youth started to link more tightly by the end of the quarter however Warriors were up 10-3.

The 2nd quarter saw changes to the attack with Chantelle coming on as GS and Zoe moving to GA and Adele coming on to C. This change made a difference to the attack as there were more two offer drives which made it easier to get the ball in to the circle to shoot with Chantelle holding strong at the end it helped Mavericks Youth pull back 3 goals. With the 2 nd quarter ending 17-13 to Warriors.

The changes in the second half were Michaella as WA and Laura as WD. Yet again with another change we saw a different attack which was just as strong as the one before although they played a different game with lots of drives to the corners and top of the circle to help work in the triangles. With tight marking from everyone and positive comments Mavericks Youth managed to pull the score level. The 3 rd quarter ended 26-26.

There were no changes in the last quarter but both teams stepped onto court wanting to take the win. With both shooting ends getting their goals in it was down to everyone to turn the ball over. Many balls were thrown away by Mavericks Youth who went down by 3 goals but pulled back to 2. In the last 2 minutes Mavericks Youth were down by 1 and it was Warriors centre pass. With a good turn over by Mavericks Youth it was vital for the goal to be scored. When Zoe got the ball in the shooting third there was 1 minute on the clock as Zoe went to take the shoot everyone breathed out and in with her as she scored to make the score 32-32. With 30 seconds left Mavericks Youth had the chance to get another however a toss up was called and time ran out.

The game ended Mavericks Youth 32 and West Midlands Warriors 32.

By Elesse Lee
(Mavericks Youth)

Photographs available to view from
Fotoccompli (David Griffiths).
www.fotoccompli.com/netball

This was truly a test for the young Mavericks side and they proved they are great able to compete with the top of the table as they came back from 7 goals down in the first quarter... wow!