Mavericks Lucky Over Leeds

Saturday 29th November 2008
Won 47 - 42

Mavericks captain Karen Atkinson predicted a close game prior to the start, and that’s exactly what ensued! Credit must be given to Anna Newell’s side, in particular, the shooting ability of Australian import Amanda Martin who kept Leeds in close contention. The win, 47 – 42, guarantees Mavericks a top four spot, with 3 more games to go until the Christmas break.

The opening quarter saw the team’s trade goals. Leeds was strong from the outset. Their defenders Ama Agbeze and Joanne Davies produced numerous interceptions, unsettling the Mavericks attack, consequently the Maverick team struggled to find a rhythm and made plenty of unforced errors. Score at the first break, 8-10 to Leeds .

In the second quarter Mavericks went for the ‘keep- it-simple’ strategy, with Maverick feeders Chrissy Fitzgerald and Gemma Wiseman choosing to avoid high lobs into shooters Ella Clarke and Louisa Brownfield. The improved work ethic and focused thinking, finished off with some strong shooting, pushed Mavericks ahead at half time 22-17.

Changes were made by both teams at half time; a rested Karen Atkinson began her domestic season by entering the game at C. Debutant Michaella McFarlane started her Mavericks senior career coming on at WA. Yet Leeds
did not yield and came back strongly to within one goal at 3 quarter time, 32-33.

Mavericks coaching duo Kendra Slawinski and Maggie Jackson moved Karen Atkinson to WA and brought back Chrissy Fitzgerald at C, to steady the ship, for the final quarter. The defensive trio of Steff Bello, Hazel Schofield and Naida Hutchinson continued to put the Leeds attack under pressure. This allowed Mavericks to pull away and end the match with a 5 goal win in what was an exciting game of netball. The Final score 47-42.

The sellout crowd witnessed Mavericks finish strongly to claim the 2 points that ensures a top four place early on in the season.

Mavericks Captain Karen Atkinson said after the match ‘We always knew Leeds was going to be a strong team and we are pleased that we finished each quarter strongly to win the game.’

Here’s to the next game vs Glasgow Wildcats and a pre Christmas trip to Bonny Scotland!

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