Big Gap for Cats

16th January 2010
Won 47 - 22

Preparation for the match against Glasgow Wildcats had gone well since the match against Team Bath earlier on in the week; the training session at the Hertfordshire Sports Village meant the players worked and thought hard about this match.

Competing in the Cooperative Super League competition requires true commitment from all players administrators and the coaching team. In this case it was a 31 hour round trip to compete against Glasgow Wildcats; a flight, an overnight stay and then the one hour match. Tremendous hospitality when the squad reached the Glasgow venue was much appreciated and thanks must go to this franchise’s warmth and assistance. 5 supporters travelled to watch the match and their support was very audible throughout the match.

Hertfordshire Mavericks started strongly turning and tipping balls over in the defending third enabling Atkinson and Morgan-Smith to continue their dominant attacking giving both Brownfield and Joseph numerous shooting opportunities. Timing and placement of the ball continues to be a focus and although the improvement was evident Hertfordshire Mavericks were determined that this would remain consistent throughout the match. Throughout the first half Schofield and Newton created errors for the Wildcats and it was clear the movement out of the back line which had been woeful against Bath was vastly improved and Schmidt linked well with the attacking unit to continue to give the shooting pair 20 opportunities. Glasgow Wildcats were proving to have limited opportunities and only scored 8 in the first half; a testament to the Hertfordshire Mavericks defensive team pressure and the circle defenders marking of the shot.

Jackson at half time brought on Borck to Centre and Atkinson who is proving to be such a warrior moved to Wing Attack. Hutchinson took the Goal Defence bib and Monique Wood the Goal Attack bib with Brownfield moving to Goal Shooter. The team continued to restrict the home franchise’s shooting to 4 goals and it showed that Hertfordshire Mavericks were able to change their line up with similar progress. A twinge by Borck meant Schmidt shifted from WD to C and Bello returning from injury was able to start her super league campaign at WD. Going into the 4th quarter Borck returned to the court replacing Schmidt and was able to find the circle edge improving her partnership with Atkinson. A sticky short period and added commitment and determination by the Wildcats meant that the visitors were not finding the goal and the Wildcats were suddenly finding the space in their attacking circle. However Hertfordshire Mavericks returned with some simpler straight line play and their scoring increased. Credit to the home side for never giving up throughout this match.

Jackson commented at the end of the match that it was good to work on some areas that had been disappointing against Team Bath and it was clear that there was some improvement in all areas of the court.

Photographs by Mavericks Official Photographer: Kevin Jones
Pictures available to purchase at matches or email: kevinjones6@msn.com

Next match against Surrey Storm away on Monday 25th January 2010...