No Snow But Lightning

Thursday 13th March 2009
Lost 36 - 43

This Thursday night game was re-scheduled following the snow in early February and with both teams guaranteed a place in the play-offs the result could decide who finished highest in the table. Mavericks and Loughborough have netball pedigree and a history! In previous years Mavericks have come out on top at Play Off’s as well as defeating Loughborough for last year’s Championship! This year Loughborough, having already beaten Mavericks earlier in the rounds, are determined to be in the final!

In the first few minutes it was goal for goal and then Lightning’s Jo Harten had other plans! Securing herself 14 opportunities in the first quarter; scoring 9 goals, her side took a 7 goal lead after 15 minutes. The Mavericks team of Hutchinson, Schofield, Seaton, Buchanan, Atkinson, Brownfield and Hall at GS struggled to get any possession through the mid court. Despite Maverick’s introduction of Seaton to GD and Stef Bello at WD, the Mavericks error count and narrow play allowed Loughborough, through the dominant work of Hampshire, Clark and Murphy, to stand at half time 14 goals in front – 12 – 26.

Head Coach Slawinski made changes to the Mavericks team. Louisa Brownfield went into GS with Ella Clark coming on at GA and Chrissy Fitzgerald at C. Naida Hutchinson, who had a strong first half, really stepped up in the second half, helped by good Mavericks defensive cover; restricting the amount of ball reaching Jo Harten. Mavericks were making interceptions and turnovers and converting them with good well timed moves and quicker passing. By the end of the third quarter Mavericks were still adrift, 24 -37, but won the quarter 12 - 11

Gemma Wiseman came on in the last quarter with Karen Atkinson moving to C this created more width. Clark and Brownfield were getting g better service and the team’s transition from turnover to goal had vastly improved! Maverick won the last quarter 12 – 6.

It was hard for Mavericks to claw back a 14 goal early deficit. Loughbororugh were the better team on the night, but Mavericks displayed an intense desire to lessen the gap and teams shouldn’t ignore the passion and desire of the Mavericks squad!