Mavericks Youth Show Might

29 February 2008
Won 32 - 29

As this was the last match of the season for Mavericks Youth, expectations were high and the atmosphere was buzzing. It was vital that Mavericks Youth won this game to still have any chance of winning the National Talent League.

Right from the start, the warm up was intensive and the crowd were already behind us. The squad rose to the challenge and were determined from the starting whistle. The first quarter saw heavy pressure from the Brunel defence and Mavericks took some time to settle. However, some great pressure in the Mavericks defence and some effective use of triangles in the Mavericks attack, led to a goal for goal scenario. The score at the end of the first quarter was 10 –10.

At the start of the second quarter Brunel came out with a vengeance. Brunel’s attack caused our defence some problems and although there was good man-to-man marking down the court, Brunel finished the quarter in the lead 19-14. However the Mavericks supporters were vocal in their confidence that the squad would fight back.

Changes were made at half time with Zoë Murdoch taking the court as GA, Sophia Candappa coming on as WA and Stephanie Collard as WD. These fresh legs, and different playing styles led to a great fight back from Mavericks Youth. With some great pressure down the court and some fantastic interceptions from Ellese Lee, Mavericks Youth finished the quarter one goal up 25-24.

With the score line being so close there was everything to play for. Mavericks didn’t stop fighting for one second. The crowd was erupting with excitement, as the score was goal for goal. Great work in attack and cool heads under immense pressure ensured Mavericks kept the lead. Some great defensive work forced many errors and a break down in Brunel’s attack. This confirmed Mavericks Youth authority over this match and the final score at the end of the last quarter was Mavericks 32, Brunel 29.

The end result was a great way to conclude a successful first season in the National Talent League and showed that Mavericks Youth are a force to be reckoned with!

By Sam Brightman
(Mavericks Youth)

This was the last match in the Netball Talent League for the Mavericks Youth squad and it looks like they have secured 2nd position, Runners-Up in this first season's competition. We will let you know the official postions when all of the results have been colated. Well done Mavericks Youth on a fantastic season no matter where you end up!