Determined Performance

Monday 16th February
Won 47 - 43

Sky TV and the audience at the Sheffield EIS were treated to a close netballing encounter! The match was billed as an opportunity for Leeds to move into 4 th place and secure a play off position. Mavericks were seeking points to move closer to second place Loughborough. In reality, Mavericks stole the game in the 4 th quarter, winning 47 -43.

A good start by Mavericks in the first quarter; with Karen Atkinson, Michaella McFarlane finding shooters Louisa Brownfield and Michelle Hall was halted by a very determined and confident Leeds side. Leeds took an early 9-4 lead mid way through the quarter, but Mavericks showed steel and determination to finish just one goal adrift.

In the second quarter, Mavericks brought on Camilla Buchanan at C and moved Karen Atkinson to WA, replacing McFarlane. Despite the Leeds attack, at times, dominating the defensive trio of Natalie Seaton, Hazel Schofield and Nadia Hutchinson, Mavericks finished the half 1 goal ahead 26 -25, after having 21 attempts at goal and scoring 15.

Both teams came out in the third quarter and showed good court craft and a determination to win. A few players over egged the physical while competing for the ball. Umpires were unsure which way to offer the ball and a few ‘toss up’s’ crept in! Leeds kept their starting seven and Mavericks made changes at the defensive end. Stef Bello came on at WD and Natalie Seaton moved to GD though Naida Hutchinson remained at GK. In this quarter Mavericks restricted Leeds to only 8 attempts. These changes had the impact that the coaching team of Slawinski and Jackson wanted. Going into the fourth quarter Mavericks were ahead 36-33.

Midway through the fourth quarter the score was tied, both teams trading goal for goal. The final ten minutes was nail biting! The difference was the shooting of Michelle Hall, the Mavericks GS, who earned ‘player of the match’ after successfully netting some key goals. In the end Mavericks composure at key times, in their court play made the telling difference.

After the match Head Coach Slawinski commented that “it was a really hard fought match and the Leeds attacking force, in particular, made us vulnerable at the back. However as the match progressed we changed the strategy and closed down both shooters more effectively.”