With the exception of the second quarter Hertfordshire Mavericks found the ring consistently today and this contributed to a positive win when the Hertfordshire side visited the North East. Strong runs by Monique Wood created space for both herself and Vicklyn Joseph to be available so Atkinson, Morgan Smith and Candappa could feed the circle regularly. Every quarter the shooting opportunities were on target and this reflected in the smooth attacking play through the court. Camilla Buchanan played a very good “give and go” game that enabled the link into the attack to be smooth. Northumbria’s tall shooter and agile young Goal Attack were always going to be a threat but Amanda Newton combining with Hazel Schofield prevented several feeds and with Naomi Stenhouse coming on as Goal Defence; an unfamiliar position for her this season in the third quarter and restricted passes into the goal and alongside this defensive work Newton took several flying interceptions out of the circle and passed out quickly to Atkinson who once again drove the ball into the attack.