Dragons Show Development...

Saturday 8th November 2008
Won 48 - 34

In this third match of the season, Mavericks needed to step up after the defeat against Loughborough. A requirement was they drive through onto the ball and compete for longer periods defensively. Head coach Kendra Slawinski was insisting on an improved performance. The win was secured against a feisty and creative Celtic Dragons team, who under new coach Sue Gaudion had much to prove coming off a 3 match losing streak!

Mavericks started the first quarter with a well crafted 9-4 lead due to some soundly timed and smart through court play by Camilla Buchannan, Chioma Ezeogu, Gemma Wiseman and expertly finished off by Louisa Brownfield. Mavericks defence consisting of Natalie Seaton, Hazel Scholfield and Naida Hutchinson dominated the start once again. However the ‘team’ must pay greater attention in the last few minutes of quarters as they allowed Dragons a run of 3 unanswered goals. Mavericks finished the quarter slightly ahead 13-10.

Mavericks outscored the Dragons at the start of the second quarter and at one point raced to a 23-13 lead. Celtic Dragons due to their dogged play only allowed Mavericks a nine goal lead by halftime, despite Mavericks winning the quarter 15-7. The score at the end of the first half was 28-17.

Mavericks made changes at half time. Choima Ezeogu went to C, Gemma Wiseman from GA to WA, Michelle Hall came on from the bench at GA and Hutchinson and Schofiled switched in the circle. Some neat play early in the third quarter saw Mavericks take a 35-21 lead, nevertheless Dragons regrouped towards the end of the quarter forcing silly errors from Mavericks.

The Mavericks coaching team of Jackson and Slawinski rang the changes for the 4 th quarter. Camilla Buchannan came back in at C, Chioma Ezeogu to WA and Gemma Wiseman went to the bench. Schofield gave her bib to Hutchinson, Natalie Seaton went into the circle as GD and Steff Bello took to the court at WD. Once that group of players settled Mavericks went onto win the quarter 12-8.

This once again showed that Mavericks can dominate games in snippets but individual errors need to be reduced and basic skills need to be
perfected, if Mavericks are to retain their Super League title.