Mavericks Bounce
Back into the Final!

Saturday 28th March 2009
Won 49 - 48 after extra time...

If ever there was an advert for netball, this match was it. With tension, action, joy and tears all in one fixture, Mavericks excelled by qualifying for the Grand Final... by one goal... following extra time!

Although the first quarter was a little scrappy with some basic passing mistakes by both sides which resulted in a lot of changes in possession, the 12 - 12 score, by the end of the quarter, still meant there was plenty to shout about.

The second quarter saw some tactical changes. Lisa Stephenson replaced Alex Kirk for Lightning and consequently the pace of their attack slowed a little. Mavericks took advantage and won the quarter 10 - 6. Karen Atkinson's work rate throughout the match was exceptional but her dominance in the second quarter significantly contributed to this margin. Naida Hutchinson's rebounds were strong and gradually she closed down Jo Harten's space and opportunities.

Following the half time break Ella Clark and Gemma Wiseman took to the bench as Camilla Buchanan moved to C, Karen Atkinson went up to WA, Louisa Brownfield came out to GA and Michelle Hall came on as GS. The change in the attacking end offered a different dimension to the game but it seemed that the flow into the circle and shooting opportunities were not as fluent as in the first half. Lightning switched Kara Luck and Emma Bliss to GD from the bench. Lightning grew in confidence and although their finishing was not as clinical as normal, they stormed ahead. At one point Mavericks were 8 goals adrift but they continued to work hard and stayed calm. The third quarter result was 5 - 11 to Lightning.

For the last quarter Ella Clark returned to the court along with Gemma Wiseman as Mavericks resumed their original formation. Wiseman rose to the challenge as her drives helped to transport the ball through the court and into the circle. Jo Harten’s effectiveness waived slightly and affected her success rate. The rebounds and extra opportunities that Mavericks gained made the difference as the team pulled together.

Leading into the final minutes and seconds, goal by goal and with brazen stubbornness Mavericks clawed their way back. Gradually it became clear that Mavericks were not going to give up, striving to make every pass count. They battled to earn shooting opportunities through stolen tips and recovered mistakes; the game came down to a penalty pass or shot... 39 - 40, this goal would even the score. Louisa Brownfield calmly took the shot, it sailed through the ring, 40 – 40, and Mavericks knew they had Extra Time and an extra opportunity to make it to the Grand Final.

Giving their all, Mavericks ploughed away in Extra Time and the score bounced up and down, with only one or two goals between the teams. Jade Clarke a key opposition player was forced to leave the court due to injury and Kara Luck returned, this time as WD and Olivia Murphy took the C bib. Gradually the pressure increased Mavericks scored, gained the next centre pass and made it count 49 - 48. Mavericks were one goal up, after some confusion; eventually a ruling from a senior official on the sidelines and a whistle from the 3rd umpire ended the game. The Mavericks players and fans were perplexed but as the realisation that Mavericks had won sank in; the players embraced each other and celebrated their well earned victory.

There is no doubt that Lightning has achieved a lot this season and their young squad will continue to develop and definitely learn from this experience. Olivia Murphy was named as Sky Player of the Match which was a justified choice out of many candidates in this fine game.

The big question is whether Mavericks can win the Grand Final, and even up the Super League tally to two championships each, against the season long favourites Team Bath. The clear message to Bath from this Play Off has to be to never under-estimate Mavericks! This determined and talented bunch have shown they are more than capable of beating any team – bring on Team Bath!