Improvements by Youth!

Saturday 31st January 2009
Lost 27 - 47

After a long journey, Mavericks Youth were ready for their 7th game of the season.

Following an encouraging pre-match meeting, the team was ready to hit the court with a much more ruthless approach. The match focus was on ‘strengths and weaknesses’ both on our side and the Leeds side.

The starting seven was Steph Collard (GK), Lauren Allington (GD), Abi Lambden (WD), Sophia Candappa (C), Shana Potgeiter (WA), Alice Ewer (GA) and Shaunagh Craig (GS).

A quality warm-up led by Captain Abi Lambden and Vice- Kelsey Nolan; a group chant; and the team was ready to go.

Although only having one win under their belts this season, in the first quarter it appeared that it wasn’t going to be a smooth ride for Leeds. For both sides it was a slow start with the ball tooing-and-frowing up and down the court until a goal was eventually scored. As the quarter went on both teams settled and Mavericks Youth worked hard to figure out Leeds style of play, and tried to combat this. The score was 11-8 to Leeds.

No changes were made in the second quarter.

Mavericks Youth could not sustain their good form in this quarter. Leeds GS and GA both were effective in their shooting circle and found their range quickly, capitalizing on Mavericks Youth errors and some poor decision making. The Mavericks through-court play was ‘sticky’ and Leeds stormed ahead, ending the quarter 27-13.

Changes were made for the start of the third quarter. Debutant Katie Chambers came on at GS, and recently selected U17 England Squad member Kelsey Nolan coming on at C. A change in defence saw Steph Collard move out to GD and Josie Huckle come on at GK, adding height to this unit.

This seven ensured better timed, more controlled, and patient play through-out the court. The team put on a much tighter defence through court, stopping Leeds from making their drives down the court. The score standing at the end of this quarter was 37-17.

More changes took place in the final quarter, with Danielle McFarlene coming on at WA, and Marina Mensah-afoakwah coming on at WD.

With fresh legs on, the whole team worked hard to gain turnover, and the much improved conversion rate to goal allowed Mavericks Youth to dominate in the final quarter. The team was at its most confident and competitive, drawing with Leeds in this last quarter 10-10.

The final score was 47-27, despite the disappointment, the Mavericks Youth players and coaching staff could see areas of improvements from the previous games. A special mention has to be made for the parents, their support for the youth squad was top level!

By Sophia Candappa
(England Under 17)