Youth Battle in Bath

Monday 22nd December 2008
Lost 42 - 59

Mavericks Youth travelled a reasonable distance to play Team Bath Youth. When Mavericks arrived at the impressive Bath University they quickly fell into match mode. With a motivated and inspirational team talk, they were fired up and raring to play. On entering the court Maverick Youth were faced with a daunting large crowd, mainly supporting the home team. By the end of the game it was a full house with spectators arriving for the televised and exciting prospect of Team Bath and Mavericks’ seniors’ playing in front of the Sky cameras.

Mavericks Youth warm ups did not meet the standards expected by the squad, or as individuals to begin with. It appeared that nerves were getting to the players and they lacked concentration. However, with some coaching from Sam Bird they soon picked up and by the end of the warm up session they were looking and performing a lot better. As time for the start of play drew closer, Maverick Youth bibbed up and huddled together for a final talk from team Captain Stephanie Collard.

The starting line up for the first quarter was: Shaunagh Craig, Zoe Murdoch, Shana Potgieter, Sophia Candappa, Abigail Lambden, Debbie Ubochi and Stephanie Collard.

In the first quarter Team Bath came out in explosive form and raced into a four-goal lead, but Mavericks didn’t give in and they fought back to 4-3. They were pressing well and forced a couple of held balls. They were competing well in both defending and attacking and with 3 minutes to go it was 12-8. However, Team Bath picked up the intensity and they pulled away to finish the quarter 16-9. It was evident that this would be a demanding and tactical game, but with good determination it was not impossible to win.

In quarter 2 Josie Huckle came on at GK and Steph moved to GD. Debbie moved to the bench.

I suspect that these changes were made in defence to combat Team Baths tall shooter. Mavericks scored first this quarter, but then Team bath went on a run of 4 goals and at 20-10 our girls had to dig deep. A bad knee injury to Bath ’s WA caused a break in the play, and some intense on court huddle discussion hit the spot as they pulled back to 23-16. Josie’s tight front marking of Bath ’s experienced and tall GS worked well as Bath threw a number of feeds high and over the back line. Mavericks Youth proved that by applying tight pressure they could match Bath . The quarter eventually ended 11-7 to Bath with the match score now 27-16.

In quarter 3 Marina Mensah-Afoakwa came on at WD and Abigail moved to C whilst Sophia moved to WA and Shana moved to the bench.

Once again Mavericks Youth started the quarter slowly as Bath turned their first four centre passes, and Mavericks Youth conceded 4 goals. Mavericks’ girls fought back and they clawed their way back to 9-5 at one point. However, with the quarter score at 15-9, their Captain, Steph Collared, hurt her ankle with 4 minutes left and on this occasion the break appeared to benefit them. Danielle McFarlane came on at WA with Marina dropping to GD, Abigail to WD and Sophia moved back to C as Steph retreated to the bench in real pain. They went on to score 3 goals and conceded only 1. The quarter ended 16-12 and the match score now stood at 44-28.

Team Bath were excellent opposition and Maverick Youth can take credit that after a shaky start they contested the match much better in the final two quarters. If they apply themselves well from the start of every quarter, and focus on the coaching points provided, they can and will match good sides in the NTL. This game was a great improvement and Mavericks Youth’s highest scoring game yet. Their netball education continues, but their first win this season is not that far away now.

By Loran Wyatt

Mavericks Youth's Loran Wyatt unfortunately sustained
an injury late in 2008 but will be looking forwards to
battling for court time in the New Year!