Youth Win Up North
Saturday 7th March 2009
Won 56 - 36!

After the early start, long but enjoyable coach journey Mavericks Youth arrived at their venue in Newcastle. Followed by a very encouraging speech by the teams substitute coach Tracey Pennel the girls were set for their 8th and final match of the season. After a very strong warm up led by Captain Steph Collard and Vice, Jade Cornhill, the squad was looking sharp. The starting seven was named and the girls were ready to step on court for the last time this season.

The Starting Seven … Shaunagh Craig (GS), Alice Ewer (GA), Shana Potigeter (WA), Jade Cornhill ( C ), Lauren Allington (WD), Steph Collard (GD) and Loran Wyatt (GK).

The first whistle was blown and the girls turned the first centre pass over, and converted it, which really set the tone. It was closely matched until 4-6 when Mavericks Youth pulled away to 5-10 before ending 7-11. The first quarter was impressive with tight defending down court which forced 12 clean interceptions.

With one change at quarter time, the team were on for another great 15 minutes. The timing improved by everyone and defence was tight. Good feeds into the shooters continued and became more diverse, which aided the shooter immensely. With an eight goal burst at the end of this quarter, by half time Mavericks Youth had extended their lead to 17-25.

Changes were made at the beginning of the third quarter, debutants; Freya Hawkins came on at WD and Fran Plom on at GS. These changes re-generated the intensity and the game was goal for goal most of the quarter until the last few minutes where mavericks were able to convert two goals more then Northumbria. Finishing the quarter 38-28 to Mavericks Youth.

More changes took place for the final quarter brining Jade Cornhill back on at WA and Lauren Allington back onto WD. This quarter really finished the game off with a bang. The girls went out hard and with fantastic support from the bench they had a brilliant amount of turnovers and excellent attacking play, by this they converted 18 goals with only 8 in return. Finishing the Match 56-36!

The game was a massive squad effort and the girls all shone on court.

It was GREAT way to finish off the season!

By Shaunagh Craig
England Talent 1 2007/8, 2008/9