One Step Closer to Regaining the Title!

Saturday 21st March 2009
Won 59 - 46!

All the talk prior to this first Play off match had all been centred on Leeds’ successes and how well they had done to get to the play offs. In contrast, Mavericks quietly got on with their preparation!

However Mavericks began anything but quietly! The starting seven of Nadia Hutchinson, Hazel Schofield, Stef Bello, Karen Atkinson, Gemma Wiseman, Ella Clark and Louisa Brownfield took an early lead from the whistle and showed no intention of squandering a hard fought 14 -11 score of the opening first quarter. Louisa Brownfield was quickly into her stride, out running, jumping and scoring the Leeds defence. Meanwhile, Hazel Scholfield had the unenviable task of shutting out Leeds’ prolific Aussie GA Amanda Martin who herself shot 9 from 11!

The second quarter was the most decisive for Mavericks. The team’s defensive work impacted on the game highlighted by Naida Hutchinson tremendous contribution. The Leeds attack struggled and had slim pickings with Mavericks captialising on turn over ball. At the half time whistle, Mavericks had extended their advantage to 13.

Leeds coach Anna Newell made changes to her line up at the start of the third quarter. Kendra Slawinski Head Coach at Mavericks, moved Karen Atkinson to WA, resting Gemma Wiseman and bringing Camilla Buchanan in at centre. Although Leeds took the quarter 12 -13 it was insufficient to put a dent in the overall score. Mavericks retained control in the fourth quarter to record an overall 59 -46 victory.

Mavericks coach Kendra Slawinski was pleased with the final result and after the game stated that “ Leeds gave us a good game. We knew it would be a tough challenge as they’ve been on the up and up. The hardest thing for Mavericks was that everyone expected us, because of our tradition; our history in the play off’s to walk it.  But it was a challenging game and gave us food for thought. Nevertheless I was pleased with how our athletes approached it.”

All photos by Mavericks Offucial Photographer Kevin Jones: Email Kevin