Mavericks Hushed Northern's Thunder

Saturday 22nd November
Won 53 - 44

The fourth match of the season, Mavericks 2nd away game. Could Mavericks continue to show progress in their match play? The answer was yes. The score was a 53 - 44 win to Mavericks.

Thunder has to be commended for the improved performance that their coach, Mike Greenwood, had been demanding. However, Mavericks were the team in control.

Mavericks had a crucial 17-9 start to the game demonstrating fast flowing play and forcing Thunder to make errors. Ella Clark playing at Goal Shooter, a 16 year old England Under 21, made an instant impact with her fine interchange with Louise Brownfield at Goal attack. For Thunder, Karen Greig worked tirelessly at Goal Shooter, but the key switches and closing down of space by Natalie Seaton and Naida Hutchinson, kept them to 11 opportunities. After 15 minutes Mavericks made team changes of Chrissy Fitzgerald to Centre and Chioma Ezeogu to the bench.

Could Mavericks transfer the early good play of the 1 st quarter into the 2 nd quarter? For the first 7 minutes Mavericks totally dominated play, but towards the end, Thunder showed greater spirit and with Mavericks helping with loose defending, they brought the score to 31 – 22. In spite of this, Mavericks did win
the quarter 14 – 13.

Mavericks rang the changes at half time bringing Michelle Hall on at Goal Attack and Hazel Schofield on at Goal Defence. This combination took a while to settle, allowing Thunder to outdo Mavericks early in the quarter and bring the score to within 5, scoring 6 unanswered goals. However, Mavericks refocused their team play finishing the 3 rd quarter 42 – 34 ahead.

In the final quarter the combination of Brownfield and Clark came alive, coupled with tighter defensive play and a greater work ethic meant the final score was 53 – 44.

Chrissy Fitzgerald has to be singled out for her sterling performance.

Mavericks Official Photographer for this match: Kate Schofield
Contact photographs@mavericksnetball.co.uk for more information