4th October
Hinckley B vs Offchurch C
Final score WIN 47-38
Hinckley B played Offchurch C who pipped them for top spot of the table last season. The first quarter saw an even playing field with the ball going back and forth across the court, and both teams fighting to gain possession, ending 10-11 to the opposition. The second quarter saw Hinckley B find their rhythm with the ball moving quicker down court and into the shooting circle where the duo of Hannah Wallace and Carole Payne fought against the wind from Storm Amy, and a tight defence, to sink the shots and take the team in the lead 26-19 at half time. A quick change in attack saw newcomer Lucy Steele take the WA bib again after a fall in quarter 1 and Hinckley continued to add to their lead. Thanks to a solid defence, Hinckley gained multiple turnovers in the final quarter and calmed their play down to keep their lead right until the final whistle. The match ended 47-38 to Hinckley and player of the match went to Carole Payne who’s shooting accuracy was on point.
Hinckley c v Synergy C
Final score WIN 44-18
First game of the season for Hinckley C saw them up against Synergy C. With new team members Alice Bates, Amber Nixon and Sue Ley, Hinckley C were keen to start strong and hit the ground running which is exactly what they did. A strong display in centre court play from Sue and Katie Phillips, and excellent shooting, despite the very windy conditions, from Velvet G and Chloe Phillips saw Hinckley end the first quarter in a convincing lead 15-5. The second quarter saw Synergy make some changes and Hinckley struggled to get in their stride but defensive pressure from Alice, Anna Clayden and Karen Malkin kept the opposition attack from scoring and at half time the score was 23-7. Hinckley let Synergy back into the game in the third quarter but remained composed and went into the last quarter with a defensive change of Amber at GD to keep Synergy at bay and end with a 44-18 win! Player of the match went to Chloe Phillips.
Hinckley D vs Coventry & North Warwickshire F
Final score WIN 30-22
Hinckley D played their first game of the season at home with a great match against Cov and NW F team. Hinckley took a while to find their feet for the first two quarters, with some strong defence from Cov and NW and some strong winds impacting the shooters availability to convert, resulting in them falling behind by just two goals at half time. In the third quarter the attack and centre court fought hard to keep Cov and NW defence away and created some good space to feed the ball nicely down the court. Some excellent feeds into the circle saw Hinckley convert and pull away with a 23-19 lead. This strategic play continued into the fourth quarter as Hinckley maintained a good lead throughout, with defence getting some amazing intercepts and applying some great pressure to Cov and NW meaning Hinckley got another 7 goals to push for the win. On the final stretch, attack created some great opportunities to feed into the D, making for a 7-goal win and a final score of 30-22 to Hinckley D. Player of the match went to Caron Ogden for her speed, patience and accuracy down court.
Hinckley E vs Coventry & North Warwickshire G
Final score LOSS 24-44
Following the successful friendly matches Hinckley E were ready for their first match of the season against Cov & NW G. With 10 from their squad of 12 available the starting line-up took to court.Play was pretty even during the first quarter with the ball going back & forth. Defence had many interceptions in the circle and thanks to good movement in centre court, the team worked well getting the ball into the shooting circle. Despite the strong wind, some fabulous long-range shots were achieved & Hinckley finished the first quarter just behind at 10-12. The second quarter continued in the same way, with everyone going for it but with a few turnovers against Hinckley a couple of heads went down & Cov & NW increased their lead by 6. Hinckley made several changes for the third quarter & whilst Cov & NW had found their rhythm, Hinckley’s changes in defence, centre court and the shooting circle meant they were at a disadvantage as the team did not settle and play was more sporadic, ending the quarter behind by 16. More changes were made for the last quarter and despite Hinckley’s defence having their best quarter only allowing 7 goals to be scored, the attack still struggled against a very tight defence & Hinckley lost the game 24 – 44. A well dwell-deserved player of the match went to Claire Cousin who played GK in her first league match for the club, and gained many interceptions in the circle against an experienced GS.
11th October
Hinckley A vs Coventry & North Warwick A
Final score LOSS 54-62
Hinckley A had their first league game of the season against C&NW. A new team for both sides meant we had lots to play with. After drawing after the first quarter, Hinckley knew it would be a tough and contested game to pull away. The second quarter let Hinckley down in addition with some poor decisions which meant they were trailing at halftime. After a couple of tactical changes in the second half, Hinckley managed to claw back some goals but the damage was already done. The team managed to keep their heads and worked tirelessly right to the final whistle but the final score ended 54-62 in C&NW’s favour. It was an unfortunate loss but a game they are willing to win in the second half of the season when they face the team again. Player of the match went to Molly Insley.
C team vs Coventry & North Warwick E
Final score WIN 43-33
Hinckley C played Cov&NW E this Saturday in an exciting match. Hinckley got off to a flying start with the defensive combination of Amber Nixon, Anna Clayden and Alice Bates keeping the opposition to just three goals in the first quarter. Strong combinations down court and pinpoint shooting left Hinckley with a good lead at quarter time of 10-3. Cov&NW rallied in the second quarter but Hinckley stayed calm and took their centre passes to goal consistently. After a tied quarter the half time score was 20-13 to Hinckley. The third quarter saw Dara D join Hinckley for her debut in the C team. Her speed and great feeds coupled with Velvet G and Chloe Phillips’ impressive shooting bolstered the attack end who maintained their 10 goal per quarter stat. Meanwhile the opposition grew in confidence, and with some long balls to goal began trying to pull back Hinckley’s lead. Hinckley started the final quarter slowly and at one point Cov&NW came within just three goals of catching up. The final 10 minutes saw Hinckley give a final push, and with Katie Phillips working tirelessly in C to apply the pressure and keep the connections strong, the team surged forwards to a strong win of 43-33. A very well deserved player of the match went to Velvet in goal shooter.
D team vs Offchurch E
Final score LOSS 26-35
A tough game for the D team this week, with only five of their team available and three E team players kindly stepping up to help. The team were determined not to let one of the team’s flat-tyre emergencies on the way to the game throw them off, but it did take a little while to find their rhythm! Offchurch settled into the game quickly and built an early lead, but after half time the D’s mixed things up – switching the GK and GS to bring more height into defence and unsettle the oppositions circle. The change worked, and the final quarter was their best spell, with much stronger flow through court and better timing in attack. Caron Ogden had a brief rest from C in the third quarter, but her calm presence and steady feeding into the circle were soon missed, so a tactical reshuffle brought her back to stabilise the middle. Not the result the team were after with Offchurch taking the win 35-26, but the last quarter showed real grit and teamwork. Player of the match went to E team sub Amy Stuckey with a solid performance at GD, reading the game well and turning over the ball throughout! Lots of positives to take forward and build on for the next game.
18th October
A team vs Henley B
Final score WIN 77-50
Hinckley A faced off against new opponents Henley B in what proved to be an energetic and fast-paced game from the first whistle. Despite not having played each other before, Hinckley quickly found their rhythm, moving the ball smoothly through the court and capitalising on early turnovers. Their sharp attacking play and strong defensive pressure saw them finish the first quarter with a 9 goal lead. Henley B came back determined in the second quarter, tightening up their defence and making Hinckley work hard for every ball, closing the gap, but Hinckley’s consistency across the court ensured they still held on to a 6 goal advantage at half time. The third quarter saw Hinckley turn up the tempo once again. The shooting duo in the circle, Holly Hemsley and Fran Tomassoni were on top form, accurately shooting, finishing the smooth feeds from the mid-court, and helping the team pull ahead to a 21 goal lead heading into the final quarter. In defence, Hinckley worked tirelessly to keep Henley B under pressure. Player of the match Daisy Savage was outstanding, reading the game brilliantly, intercepting key passes, and disrupting Henley’s attacking flow. Despite Henley’s continued efforts to fight back, Hinckley A maintained their momentum and composure, seeing the game out in style with a final score of 77–50. It was a strong all-round performance from Hinckley A — fast, focused, and full of team spirit — setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.
B team vs Ambleside C
Final score LOSS 41-57
After a pre season friendly against Ambleside C, the B team knew it would be a tough game, but kept their heads up and went into the game with a positive attitude. In the first half the team struggled to find their feet, but kept fighting and kept working hard. There was some lovely play all around with the ball smoothly coming down court, brilliant defending and great feeds from the whole team. At half time the score was 20-26 to the opposition and a close game going into the second half. Changes were made which saw lots more movement and quick play resulting in a tactical change to return to the team’s best combination. Great defensive pressure and better connections across the whole team saw the game flow improve but Ambleside had crept ahead and maintained their lead ending the game with a loss of 41-57. Cara Stuckey received a well earned player of the match after some amazing long shots, drives into the circle, and lovely defence down court.
D team vs Ambleside E
Final score LOSS 31-37
Hinckley D faced off against Ambleside E in a competitive home fixture that saw momentum shift throughout all four quarters. The first quarter saw Ambleside take an early lead, finishing 9-6 ahead. Hinckley took some time to find their rhythm, with a few early errors costing valuable goals. However, once settled, the team began to connect more effectively across the court. The second quarter was a turning point. Hinckley came out with renewed energy. In defence, a string of vital interceptions and turnovers helped swing the momentum. In attack the team worked well around the circle and saw some fantastic shooting resulting in Hinckley pulling ahead to lead 17-16 by halftime. Changes in positioning during the third quarter brought fresh dynamics to the game. Hinckley showed strong passages of play with defensive pressure and composed attacking drives. Despite this, Ambleside managed to reclaim the lead, heading into the final quarter 28-22 up. In the final quarter, both teams continued to fight hard. Hinckley worked tirelessly and kept the pressure on, but Ambleside maintained their edge, ultimately securing the win 37-31. Player of the match went to Lucy Orton who had a strong performance at WA. Despite the loss, the team showed determination, adaptability, and moments of brilliance. Lots to take forward into the next game!
E team vs Alvis D
Final score WIN 37-29
With only seven players, Hinckley E delivered an incredible performance in their second game of the season. In the first quarter, the mid-court moved the ball smoothly down to the circle, using triangles to feed in and out, finishing the quarter narrowly ahead at 11-7 to Hinckley. In the second and third quarters, defence made several brilliant intercepts, turning over numerous balls, which were swiftly transitioned down to the attack. The team repeatedly turned over opposition centre passes, and attack worked patiently around the circle, assisting the shooters to score some excellent goals. Rebounds at either end were fought for leading to a very close 25-23 at the end of quarter three. The final quarter saw fantastic movement and cutting in to receive the ball, piling on the pressure and extending the lead to a fantastic 37–29 win. Player of the match went to Ellie Calvert-Collinson, who showed incredible stamina playing centre for the full game, controlling the play beautifully from start to finish. A superb effort and a brilliant team win for the E’s!
8th November
A team vs Ernesford C
Final score WIN 63-50
Hinckley A played Ernesford C at home on Saturday. After two weeks off, Hinckley came out fighting and the first half of the game was a close contest with each side matching the other’s goals. At halftime, Hinckley was up by one goal so they continued to push the score forward to extend their lead. Defence only allowing eight goals to be conceded in the third quarter meant that Hinckley went ahead. The team fought hard for the final quarter to work patiently, keep possession, and capitalize on turnovers. The final score was 63-50 with player of the match going to Holly Hemsley at goal attack.
B team vs Cov & North Warwickshire C
Final score LOSS 38-39
Hinckley Ladies B faced Coventry & North Warwickshire C away for the final game of the day on Saturday. Both teams took a while to settle in to the match and find their flow. At the end of the first quarter the home side had their noses in front and led by 12 goals to 11. During the second quarter Hinckley were able to capitalise on a few errors from the opposition and work their way back into the game. The attacking unit found more space and started to play with better freedom and connection. At the half time whistle Hinckley had pulled ahead 26-24, as the two teams regrouped and discussed tactics going into the second half. The tide turned again in the third quarter, this time in favour of the home side, who won the quarter by five to retake the lead – the biggest quarter score margin of the game. Hinckley came out firing in the final quarter and caused more disruption in the C&NW attack, turning over plenty of ball, credit to the reach and tenacity of Lucy Chapman in defence. An injury in the final minutes saw captain Cara Stuckey switch in to WA, but despite a late flurry of goals from Hinckley they fell just short at the final whistle, losing by one goal – 38-39. Cara Stuckey worked tirelessly in WD all game, shutting down options and winning plenty of ball for her side, which earned her a well-deserved opposition’s player of the match.
C team vs Ernesford E
Final score LOSS 35-63
Hinckley faced a strong Ernesford E side in what proved to be a challenging but hard-fought match. The team started well, with accurate shooting from Velvet G and Chloe Phillips to keep the first quarter competitive. Strong defence from Amber Nixon and Alice Bates created key turnovers, but Ernesford’s speed through court allowed them to pull ahead. Hinckley made some changes going into the third quarter, and Sue Ley’s composure at WA led to a more settled start to the second half. Kim Walker worked tirelessly at WD throughout the game, making several great interceptions. The final quarter was a testament to Hinckley’s resilience, with Dara D coming into the shooting circle and helping the team to their highest-scoring quarter. The squad continued to battle until the end, showing excellent teamwork and determination across the court. Despite the final scoreline of 63–35 in Ernesford’s favour, Hinckley demonstrated great spirit and effort throughout. Player of the match went to Alice Bates for her impressive debut performance at GD.
D team vs Godiva D
Final score WIN 40-16
Hinckley D produced a composed and convincing performance at home on Saturday, securing a 40–16 victory over Godiva. The team started strongly, setting the tone from the first whistle with confident ball movement and tight defensive pressure. Defence continually disrupted Godiva’s attack, coming away with several clean interceptions and crucial tips. Hinckley took a well-deserved 7–2 lead to end the first quarter. In the second quarter, Hinckley continued to build momentum. The midcourt displayed excellent control, transitioning the ball smoothly into attack and showing patience around the circle edge. Guided by advice at quarter time, attack worked well on driving well-timed forward passes into the circle rather than overhead feeds, to extend the lead to 18–5 at halftime. Some adjustments in combinations at the start of the third quarter brought fresh energy and new connections on court. The team adapted quickly, maintaining their structure and continuing to convert turnovers into goals, pushing the score to 29–9 heading into the final break. In the last quarter, Hinckley remained disciplined and composed, keeping the intensity high at both ends of the court. Defence continued to impress, turning over possession and feeding the attack with precision. A strong shooting performance sealed the 40–16 win, rounding off an excellent all-round team effort. Player of the match went to Ellie Walsh for a brilliant game at both C and WA.
E team vs Ambleside F
Final score WIN 40-25
Hinckley E took on Ambleside F on a lovely sunny Saturday morning. Hinckley started off well and took an early 2 goal lead in the first quarter. The attacking end, Niamh, Ann-Marie, Anita and Emma, worked beautifully to get the ball to goal and continued to improve during the second quarter. With defence making several turnovers, Amy, Claire and Charlotte worked fabulously to keep the ball out of Amblesides circle and Hinckley were ahead 16 – 13 at half time. The teams intensity continued thoughout the game with Rose coming on in defence and making an immediate impact with several turnovers and some lovely tips. In centre court, Ivy also came on at WA then C to help the team work the ball down the court and help the shooters increase the lead. Emma playing GA then GS in the last quarter of the game worked tirelessly thoughout, with great movement in and around the circle. A win was secured with a massive 15 goal difference, a great team effort by all players. The final score was 40 – 25. Player of the match went to Amy Stuckey playing GD who had amazing tips and energy throughout.
15th November
A team vs Bulkington A
Final score WIN 51-50
Hinckley A travelled to Bulkington at the weekend and made an impressive start, taking an early lead and finishing the first quarter 15–9 ahead. Their advantage grew in the second quarter thanks to some brilliant attacking play and smart feeds from player of the match Beth Sutcliffe, sending Hinckley into halftime with a solid 29–21 lead. A weaker third quarter, however, saw Bulkington fight back, reducing the gap and leaving Hinckley with just a two-goal advantage heading into the final quarter. It was goal for goal right up to the final whistle, but a crucial defensive turnover gave Hinckley the chance they needed. They converted the opportunity, securing a hard-fought 51–50 victory.
B team vs Alvis A
Final score WIN 60-32
Hinckley B faced Alvis A at the weekend. After a tight few minutes early on with both teams going goal for goal, Hinckley settled into the game and pulled into a 4 goal lead at the end of the first quarter. With the defence keeping solid and forcing Alvis to work hard for each goal, the Hinckley attack drove on with some lovely linking play down the court, and outstanding shooting from the Hinckley attacking circle. Hinckley extended their lead further in each quarter, with an especially strong third quarter in attack leaving the team 42-26 ahead going into the last quarter. Hinckley pushed on to maintain their momentum throughout and ended the match 60-32, conceding only 6 goals in the last 15 minutes of play. Player of the match was jointly shared by the shooting team of Carole Payne and Hannah Wallace.
C team vs Warwick Ladies D
Final score WIN 33-23
Hinckley Ladies C faced Warwick Ladies A on Saturday in a competitive match. Both teams took time to find their rhythm at the start so the first quarter ended level at 5–5. After some encouraging words from the sideline, Hinckley lifted their intensity in the second quarter, with strong rebounds from Anna Clayden and Amber Nixon, sharp ball movement through the mid-court, and accurate shooting from Velvet G and Dara D helping them pull ahead by halftime. Maintaining this standard throughout the second half, Hinckley continued to build their lead, supported by several key intercepts from Alice Bates at WD and lots of turnovers to goal, ultimately securing a confident 33–23 win. Player of the match went to Dara D.
E team vs Ernesford G
Final score WIN 37-28
Hinckley E played away to Ernesford H last week. The first quarter saw Hinckley E start confidently, putting up a steady flow of goals and settling quickly into their rhythm. Ernesford H responded with a strong scoring run of their own and took the lead 12–9. The second quarter remained competitive with no team changes made by Hinckley. Hinckley continued converting at a good percentage, with both shooters finding space well in the circle and finishing accurately. Ernesford, however, maintained their strong gameplay and held their narrow advantage at halftime, leading 20–19. At halftime Hinckley made changes, bringing on fresh legs across all thirds of the court. Ernesford stayed consistent, but Hinckley’s defence stepped up, overturning several shots. With steady work through the mid-court and confident shooting, Hinckley took the lead to end the third quarter 28–25. Heading into the final quarter, Hinckley made no further changes and remained composed. Ernesford’s attacking end came out strong, but Hinckley continued to capitalise on scoring opportunities. Key interceptions in the mid-court prevented Ernesford from gaining momentum, and Hinckley’s solid play secured them the win, with the final score 37–28. Player of the match was awarded to Claire Cousin at GK for her numerous turnovers and strong defensive performance throughout the game.
22nd November
A team vs Copeswood A
LOSS 33-45
Hinckley A travelled to Copsewood on Saturday to play the team second in the table. The rainy weather did not dampen their spirits and they started off with a strong defensive first half from the unit of Victoria Stevens, Daisy Savage and Jess Rainbow. Hinckley shooters Fran Tomassoni and Holly Hemsley faced physical defence from the home team meaning they were down 24-16 at half time. Changes at the break saw Lucy Marsden enter the game at GA and Molly Insley and player of the match Beth Sutcliffe swap positions in the midcourt. Consistent play from both teams meant the score going into the final quarter was 36-24. A change in defence for Hinckley resulted in increased pressure and a drawn fourth quarter. Hinckley showed a great fight despite difficult conditions, but lost 33-45.
B team vs Bulkington B
LOSS 25-47
It was always going to be a tough game for home team Hinckley B against the league leaders Bulkington B. And with a couple of defenders unavailable for, players had to show their versatility and play out of position. With the rain pouring down, both teams found it difficult to keep hold of the ball and Bulkington started better, showing their experience and adjusting to the tricky conditions finishing the first quarter ahead. Despite Hinckley trying hard to stop the accurate feeds into the tall Bulkington shooter, nothing went Hinckley’s way. The second half saw some changes made by Hinckley to add some height into the defensive circle, but Bulkington pounced on every loose ball and tight marking by Bulkingtons defence only added pressure on the Hinckley shooters. Despite a valiant effort by Hinckley in the final quarter, it ended in a loss for the home team. 47-25. Player of the match went to the versatile Cara Stuckey who played 3 different positions during the match.
C team vs Earlsdon Highway D
LOSS 25-37
Hinckley C faced Earlsdon Highway D away on what was a very wet and miserable Saturday morning. Hinckley started the game patiently but Highway began to find their flow which meant Hinckley finished the first quarter two goals behind. Some changes in midcourt for the second quarter hoped to stem the flow of Highway’s attack, but Hinckley found themselves 16-14 down at half time. A flurry of goals from the home side in the third quarter proved too much, and despite some changes, Hinckley couldn’t find the answer, trailing 32-21 after 45 minutes. The last quarter saw a determined effort from Hinckley, who piled the pressure on Highway with some fantastic interceptions, feeds into the circle, and accurate shooting, but the damage was done, and the match finished 37-25 to Highway. Player of the match went to Katie Phillips for a brilliant performance at centre.
D team vs Bulkington C
LOSS 24-36
Hinckley Ladies D team faced Bulkington’s C team in tough conditions on a rainy and windy Saturday afternoon. The weather made for challenging netball conditions from the first whistle. Both teams struggled to settle in the opening minutes; the slippery ball and wet court demanded extra focus. Despite Hinckley’s determined start, Bulkington adapted slightly quicker, moving the ball efficiently through the centre court and capitalising on a few handling errors. Their sharp shooting gave them an early edge, and the first quarter ended 8–5 in Bulkington’s favour. Hinckley responded well in the second quarter, tightening their defence and applying increased pressure in the circle. Interceptions from the defensive unit of Ella Wilkinson and Hannah Simpson allowed Hinckley to close the gap, but Bulkington remained composed, maintaining their lead by half-time. In the third quarter, Hinckley continued to battle, with strong drives in the shooting circle by player of the match Tracey Pallett yet Bulkington’s consistency in transition proved difficult to break down. As the rain intensified in the final quarter, both sides showed grit, but Bulkington’s depth and steady shooting saw them pull further ahead. Despite a spirited performance from Hinckley, Bulkington secured a 36–24 victory.
E team vs Bedworth B
WIN 53-16
Hinckley E took on Bedworth B at home on a rainy and blustery Saturday afternoon. The away team were down a player due to injury. Hinckley started off with a strong first quarter taking the lead 16-1 at the quarter time break. Ivy, Emma and Sofia were combining well off the centre pass with the attack end also flowing smoothly. Confident passing around the edge of the circle ensured the ball sped in to Sofia and Ann-Marie Copple under the post. At the half time break Hinckley were leading 34 goals to 5. Rose and Amy Stuckey were putting on the pressure on the away team’s centre pass which led to some fantastic tips and interceptions. The whole team worked well to ensure the ball was treasured down the court and converted into goals. Pressure continued to be applied in the defence end throughout the second half from Rose, Amy and Claire Cousin to limit the number of goals being scored by Bedworth. Despite the wet weather, loose balls were chased and Hinckley remained steady and composed to the end. A strong team performance sealed the win for Hinckley 53-16 with Ann-Marie Copple at GS securing player of the match following her dominant presence in the shooting circle.
29th November
Hinckley B vs Copeswood B
Final score LOSS 36-40
Hinckley B travelled to Copeswood on Saturday to play the team currently sat second in the table. It took Hinckley a few minutes to settle into the game and a few sporadic balls and fast play forced errors for both teams. Going into the second quarter just 3 goals behind, Hinckley applied the pressure and worked the ball nicely down court into the shooting circle. Copeswood had also settled into the game though and extended their lead 24-16. A quick change in defence added more height into the circle and the duo of Lucy Chapman and Annis Pears worked well together to turn over ball. More patient play saw the ball enter the circle with more accuracy and feeds were making it into Hannah Wallace and player of the match Carole Payne to add a further 11 goals to end the final quarter 27-33. Knowing they were still behind, Hinckley amped up the ante and multiple turnovers and defensive pressure saw the gap close. Time however wasn’t on the B teams side and Copeswood kept their lead to finish the game 4 goals ahead, 36-40.
C team vs Cherry Bombs
Final score WIN 53-15
Hinckley C were up against Cherry Bombs A in the final game of the day on Saturday. From the first centre pass, Hinckley set the pace with great feeds by Katie Phillips and Sue Ley and brilliant defensive pressure from Anna Clayden and Amber Nixon. The opening quarter saw Hinckley take early control, finishing 13–3. Hinckley’s momentum only grew in the second quarter, where they extended their lead with great shooting by Dara and Velvet to extend their lead further, 29–5. Half time saw a switch around in attacking with Chloe Phillips coming on as goal attack and Dara moving into wing attack. Consistent turnovers and tight marking in defence by the defensive circle and Kim Walker in wing defence limited Cherry Bombs opportunities, while Hinckley’s attacking unit continued to convert and pushed the score to 39–11. The last quarter showcased Hinckley’s depth and composure as they closed out the match with a final score of 53–15. Great all around performance by the team with the player of the match going to Kim Walker.
D team vs Alvis C
Final score WIN 54-25
Hinckley D had a strong game against Alvis C on Saturday. Despite starting the game with a new centre court combination, they quickly settled in and took an early lead finishing the first quarter up 16-5 with precise shooting from Bridgette Allen and Tracey Pallett. Alvis rallied at the start of the second quarter but Hinckley resettled with strong defence from Hannah Simpson and Ella Wilkinson who were turning over plenty of ball in the defensive circle resulting in a half time score of 29-12. Hinckley had a centre court reshuffle at half time but quickly settled again with Caron Ogden, Beth Swain and Jasmin Whitehurst working consistently well together to move the ball around the court and into the shooters. Hinckley were able to close the game out finishing strong and winning 54-25 with player of the match going to Tracey for a brilliant game at goal attack.
E team vs Bulkington D
Final score WIN 34-31
A close game on Saturday afternoon for Hinckley E against Bulkington D but despite the cold weather, the team fought for the victory. The first quarter saw Hinckley take an impressive early lead ending 15-8 with strong shooting from Ann-Marie Copple and Emma despite the challenging, windy weather conditions. Strong passing in the centre of the court and defensive pressure from Amy Stuckey, Rose and Charlotte Pinkham saw Hinckley turnover many centre passes and although Bulkington brought the pressure in the second quarter, at half time Hinckley still led the game 21-18. With a lot of the squad available, changes were made to the team at half time which meant a few fresh sets of legs in each third to cling on to the team’s lead. Hinckley continued with the defensive pressure whilst pushing towards the attack and maintaining possession throughout. Retaining their calm when Bulkington put on more pressure, Hinckley were able to finish the game 34-31, with Amy Stuckey at goal defence awarded a well deserved player of the match.
4th December
A team vs Earlsdon Highway B
WIN 56-50
A Thursday evening game saw Hinckley ladies A team take on top of the table Earlsdon Highway B. The 8pm fixture saw a very close first quarter, with a steady start from both teams trying to suss out each others game plan and style of play. Hinckley took a narrow lead of 13-11 goals against the unbeaten Highway side. Goals started to flow in the second quarter and a much higher scoring 15 minutes saw plenty of quick centre passes and accurate feeds into the shooting circle from the Hinckley girls. A tall defensive circle from the Earlson Highway opposition meant balls into the shooting circle had to be on the money and with great holding of the space and movement from player of the match Goal Shooter Fran TomassHinckley finished the first half of the game ahead 28-23. With Earlson Highway still in touch the third quarter saw a lot of fight from both sides and a close scoreline of Hinckley 41- Earlson Highway 39. The final quarter required a lot of composure and good game management from Hinckley. They kept cool heads and worked hard to keep the pressure on Highway all the down court. This pressure and vital defensive turnovers alongside consistent shooting saw Hinckley A’s secure a huge win the game ending Hinckley ladies A 56- Earlson Highway B 50.
6th December
A team vs Ambleside B
LOSS 47-52
Hinckley A team faced Ambleside on Saturday morning. After a tough mid week win against Earlsdon Highway they were hoping for a repeat. However a slower start and some uncharacteristic errors left Hinckley trailing by 3, although defensive duo Holly Hemsley and Victoria Stevens kept Ambleside to just 12 goals. Despite some strong shooting from Fran Tomassoni and Lucy Marsden, Ambleside built on their lead extending to an 8 goal difference at half time. A change at half time saw Holly Hemsley swing from goal keeper to goal shooter without missing a beat, connecting well with Beth Sutcliffe and player of the match Molly Insley, who was relentless in the mid court. Hinckley kept in touch in the third quarter, going into the fourth with a determination to improve on their performance. A step up in defensive pressure in the fourth quarter from Jess Rainbow, Daisy Savage and Victoria Stevens and a smoother connection settling in attack allowed Hinckley to close the gap ending the game within 5 and securing a crucial 2 points. Final score was 51-47 to Ambleside B.
B team vs Synergy B
WIN 38-28
Hinckley B faced Synergy B at the weekend. Low team availability due to the festive period and illness meant the team had to rely on subs to play the match. The first quarter was a slow start as the team got used to brand-new combinations and some silly mistakes meant the quarter ended in Synergy’s favour, 8-5. The second quarter saw the team find their rhythm and reduce the goal deficit but Synergy continued with their flow from the first quarter resulting in a 16 all draw at half time. Heading into the third quarter, the team made some changes and drew ahead by 3 goals thanks to several defensive turnovers. The final quarter saw an energy burst from Hinckley B to extend the lead by 10 goals with the match ending 38-28. Player of the match went to C team sub Dara D who played both wing attack and goal attack during the match.
C team vs Ernesford F
LOSS 31-38
Hinckley C played a home fixture against Ernsford F on Saturday. Down several players from the squad, they knew they were in for a tough game. The game play started off fast with Ernesford taking the lead in the first quarter. Hinckley dug deep with fantastic vision and marking from Anna Clayden and numerous intercepts from Alice Bates wearing the defensive bibs. Kim Walker demonstrated great dodges as she moved the ball down court, paired with Katie Phillips and Sue Ley who then fed the ball accurately into the attacking duo of Dara D and Velvet V in the shooting circle. At half time, Hinckley made some changes in both attack & defence and thanks to encouragement from the sideline they won the last quarter. Unfortunately Ernesford maintained their lead winning 38-31. Player of the match went to Alice Bates.
D team vs Rugby D
WIN 46-31
Hinckley D team started off netball Saturday away against Rugby D. The first quarter was end to end from both teams with everyone taking a moment to settle into the game, ending 12-10 in Hinckley’s favour. As the game progressed, Hinckley really started to flow, with patient play, great turnovers and movement bringing the ball up the court. Hinckley defence did a fabulous job with grabbing the rebounds which resulted in many turnover goals. Attack worked extremely well together, with great connections and movement around the circle and on point shooting. The game finished with a fantastic win of 46-31 with player of the match going to Tracey Pallett for the third week in a row!
E team vs Earlsdon Highway F
WIN 27-26
From the very first centre pass both teams knew they were in for a close game. Despite the tough competition, Hinckley E were able to grab an early lead of 10-8 at the end of the first quarter. This was thanks to the high pressure from the defenders Rose, Emma and Claire Cousin who all had great interceptions and tips throughout, as well as thoughtful passing from the mid court players. During the second quarter, the team kept consistent and strong and were able to finish the half with a 16-13 lead with amazing shooting from Anita King and Sofia. After some half time substitutions, Ivy, Sofia and Niamh Connolly were combining beautifully off the centre pass and through the centre court which created great options for the shooters. With good teamwork and consistent shooting from Sofia and Ann-Marie Copple, Hinckley grabbed a solid 24-18 lead after the third quarter. Going into the last quarter Earlsdon’s defence were tighter, forcing more turnovers and their attack were making good use of these and the gap between both sides was getting close. Tensions were getting higher and Earlsdon brought the score line level, but holding their nerve, keeping possession and with beautiful passing throughout the team and constant communication, a goal scored in the last few seconds of the match lead us to a nail biting 27-26 win. Player of the match went to Rose at wing defence for her endless energy and many interceptions.
13th December
A team vs Harbury A
WIN 64-55
Hinckley A had an away game on the final fixture weekend before Christmas against the opposition located the furthest from home, Harbury A. It was an early start for the team, but spirits were high and the players were eager to gain another win on the league table. It was a neck and neck start for Hinckley A, with each centre pass going goal for goal. Harbury snuck ahead by 3 points at quarter time, but Hinckley rallied together in their team talk and won back quarter two by 7 goals. Some incredible flying intercepts from Daisy Savage, and centre pass turnovers by Victoria Stevens meant that Hinckley had plenty of opportunities to convert more goals and crept ahead by 9 points in quarter three. Hinckley A worked hard to maintain their lead in the final quarter, patiently working the ball into shooters Fran Tomassoni and player of the match Holly Hemsley to keep that 9 goal lead until the final whistle. Hinckley A finished with a well earned win, 64-55.
C team vs Stockton D
DRAW 32-32
Hinckley C faced Stockton D on a bright Saturday afternoon. The first quarter started positively with the defensive combination of Karen Malkin and Amber Nixon turning over plenty of balls. Despite the defensive effort, Hinckley were behind at the end of the quarter 6-13. The second quarter saw more improvement with Kim Walker, Alice Bates and Sue Ley bringing the ball down court to bring the score a lot closer at 17-18. At half time Anna Clayden was brought on and alongside Amber Nixon, both were working well in defence, getting the ball back down the court to Dara and Velvet in the shooting positions. Hinckley kept pushing through and getting shots in the third quarter to make the score 24-24. Going into the final quarter, Stockton D made Hinckley keep on working hard and goals were going in at both ends. Despite their best efforts, the game ended a draw at 32-32. Player of the match went to Alice Bates for her hard work down the court and consistent intercepts.
D team vs Bedworth B
WIN 45-17
Hinckley D enjoyed a festive fixture against Bedford A who were a lovely opposition and arrived in great Christmas spirit and initially took to the court in their Christmas jumpers over their dresses. The first quarter saw a slightly tame start from both sides as players settled into the game, but Hinckley D began to build confidence and rhythm, edging ahead through patient build-up and controlled play. As the game progressed, the connection between goal attack Tracey Pallett and goal shooter Bridgette Allen really came to life, with constant movement in the circle creating space and plenty of scoring opportunities. Centre court worked tirelessly to ensure quick transitions down the court, with Jasmine Whitehurst’s fast feet helping Hinckley turn defence into attack with ease. Ellie Walsh had a fantastic game at WA, delivering accurate feeds into the circle and adding pressure with well-timed interceptions and Caron Ogden being consistent as always with her quick hands, never letting a stray ball go uncollected. Defensively, Hinckley D were rock solid, with Hannah Simpson and Maia Corbett forming a strong defensive wall that made it extremely difficult for Bedford’s attack to break through. Rebounds were consistently picked up by Hinckley, keeping possession firmly in their control and allowing the team to maintain momentum throughout the match. Hinckley D continued to extend their lead in the second half, showing great teamwork and composure to finish the game with a convincing 45–17 win. In keeping with the festive spirit and the all-round team performance, player of the match was awarded to the whole team!
E team vs Henley F
WIN 45-18
Hinckley E put in a dominant all-round performance away at Bablake School versus Henley F. The first quarter was a close one, with both teams settling into the game. Strong defensive work from Amy Stuckey, Claire Cousin and Rose made scoring difficult for the opposition, allowing Hinckley to edge ahead and finish the quarter 10–7 up. Hinckley began to find their rhythm in the second quarter, pushing the score out to 21–10 by halftime. Excellent feeding into the circle from Niamh Connelly and Ellie Calvert-Collinson created numerous scoring opportunities, while Sofia and Emma showed great composure and skill in the shooting circle, despite the challenge of a low sun. The third quarter saw Hinckley extend their lead further, moving to 33–12. Ivy and Charlotte Pinkham came on in mid-court and made an immediate impact with the team continuing to move the ball well and keep the score ticking over despite the changes. Hinckley finished the game strongly in the final quarter, showcasing impressive play across all areas of the court to close out a 45–18 victory. Claire Cousin delivered an outstanding performance and was deservedly named player of the match. A fantastic team effort from start to finish which keeps Hinckley E top of the table and marks a brilliant way to end the 2025 half of the season.
12th January
A team vs Bulkington A
WIN 58-37
Monday 12th was the first game of 2026 for Hinckley A, as they faced Bulkington A. After winning the reverse fixture by a single point, Hinckley knew this would be a good contest. They started the first quarter strong, with smooth attacking play and tight defence restricting Bulkington to just 9 goals to Hinckley’s 15. Bulkington responded in the second quarter, matching Hinckley goal for goal, which led to a half time score of 27-22 in Hinckley’s favour. After changes at the break, Hinckley were able to push on and increase their lead, producing a dominant 17-6 third quarter. They carried this momentum into the final quarter of the game, securing a 58-37 victory, a great way to start the second half of the season. Player of the match went to Daisy Savage.
17th January
A team vs Coventry & North Warwickshire A
Final score WIN 68-45
Hinckley A started the match strong against Cov & North Warwickshire A, setting the tone with a steady and composed first quarter that saw them build an impressive ten-goal lead. Their attacking circle was clinical, with Fran Tomassoni holding the shooter role effectively and Lucy Marsden’s dynamic movement at goal attack. Hinckley A maintained control going into the second half meant the team went ahead further with a comfortable 35–20 lead. The second half saw the defensive pairing of Daisy Savage and Victoria Stevens step up, working tirelessly to shut down feeds into the circle and force numerous turnovers. These interceptions allowed the centre court trio of Jess Rainbow, Erika Payne and Beth Sutcliffe to bring the ball down the court with composure and precision. In the attacking circle, Holly Hemsley displayed great skill and calm finishing, helping Hinckley A to maintain their advantage. Hinckley A finished the match with a strong final-quarter push, playing smart netball and controlling possession to secure a convincing 68–45 victory. Player of the match was awarded to mid-courter Beth Sutcliffe.
B team vs Leamington D
Final score LOSS 38-47
After a six-week break due to Christmas and wildcards, Hinckley B finally returned to the court to face a tough Leamington D side. While the opening minutes were spent shaking off the “match rust,” it wasn’t long before the seasoned shooting duo of Hannah Wallace and Carole Payne found their rhythm. Like a comfortable slipper, their telepathic connection in the circle helped Hinckley hit their stride, clawing back to a deadlocked 22-22 at halftime. The momentum shifted in the third quarter as Leamington intensified their defensive pressure, making every entry into the Hinckley circle a battle. Despite a gritty final-quarter push to close the gap, Hinckley couldn’t quite catch the visitors. The match finished 38-47 to Leamington. Player of the match was awarded to Cara Stuckey for her relentless work rate and stunning interceptions.
C team vs Coventry & North Warwickshire E
Final score LOSS 33-41
Hinckley C had a hard fought game against C&NW E on Saturday. The opposition started strong and made it clear they were there for the win. Hinckleys defence made up of Amber Nixon, Karen Malkin and Anna Clayden made C&NW attacking players work hard for every goal and forced a few errors. However, Hinckley couldn’t capitalise on them all and fell behind at the end of the first quarter, 6-13. The second quarter saw some changes with Anna Clayden moving to GK and Tracey Pallet coming on at WA to try and close the gap. The shooting pair of Chloe Phillips and Dara D started to gain form and it was very much goal for goal and going into half time with the score at 14-24. Hinckley had a blip in the third quarter and the opposition made the most of this scoring 12 goals to Hinckleys 5. Going into the final quarter Hinckley made some much needed changes and seemed to find their rhythm. The defence kept the pressure on and forced errors this time keeping possession and working through court to score. Hinckley had their best quarter and managed to claw back the goals to finish within 8, with a final score of 41-33. Player of the match went to Dara.
D team vs Offchurch E
Final score WIN 47-29
Hinckley D went into their match against Offchurch D keen to put things right after losing to them earlier in the season, and they did just that with a strong 47–29 win. Hinckley made a positive start, building a solid lead in the first half with confident attacking play from Beth Swain and Jen Paulley, along with strong defensive pressure from Ellie Walsh and Ella Wilkinson. A few changes at half time unsettled things slightly, allowing Offchurch to take the third quarter goal wise. After another reshuffle before the final quarter, Hinckley finished on a high, tightening up in defence and limiting Offchurch to just four goals. Bridgette Allen was deservedly named player of the match at goal shooter, shooting confidently against a strong Offchurch goal keeper. Solid performances across the court from Jasmin Bates and Hannah Simpson also helped secure a well-earned win.
22nd January
Rearranged game: A team vs Synergy A
WIN 59-51
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Hinckley A secured a dominant victory on Thursday evening against Synergy A, one of their toughest opponents. From the first whistle, Hinckley’s mid-court transition was patient and with pinpoint accuracy; it had to be to keep possession in the very wet weather conditions. Hinckley’s shooters were in clinical form, finding the net from every angle and rarely missing a rebound under heavy pressure. Defensively, Hinckley were a wall; pressure on every single pass meant that player of the match, Daisy Savage, could deliver a masterclass in hunting for circle edge intercepts. By halftime, Hinckley had earned a 3-goal lead and they refused to take their foot off the gas; pushing for every loose ball and keeping Synergy’s attack locked down. Despite some tactical changes in the second half, Hinckley’s connection in attack remained steady and strong, carving open Synergy’s defensive structure and increasing their lead. Hinckley’s fitness and tactical discipline ensured they stayed firmly in control until the final whistle, winning the game with a score of 59-51.
24th January
A team vs Henley B
WIN 46-34
Hinckley A secured a 46–34 victory over Henley on Saturday. The first half proved difficult as the team grappled with tricky court conditions and an early injury. These setbacks forced a lineup shuffle, requiring Hinckley to trial some new combinations in centre court. By halftime, Hinckley was down by three goals. The momentum shifted in the second half as the team settled into their rhythm. The defence had a solid third quarter, stifling Henley’s attack and holding them to just four goals. A dominant final quarter cemented the comeback, ensuring a 12-goal margin of victory. The final score was 46 – 34 with player of the match going to Holly Hemsley for a fantastic display in the shooting circle.
B team vs Ambleside C
WIN 41-36
Hinckley B team travelled to Ambleside to play their C team. They needed to get a win to boost their team morale and contest to stay in the division. With a few changes to the lineup since their last game and seeing the debut of the latest addition Alice Bates who put in a strong performance at wing defence, Hinckley made a solid start and were leading at the end of the first quarter by 6 goals. The second quarter saw Ambleside make some changes in their shooting circle but with some fantastic interceptions from Hinckley defensive duo, Emma Draycott and Lucy Chapman, and newcomer Alice getting some great defensive tips, the ball was turned over continuously and sent down court into the shooting circle. With some tactical shielding by Carole Payne at goal shooter, dynamic Hannah Wallace at goal attack was able to drive into the circle and get on the end of some great feeds by the centre court players Cara Stuckey and Lucy Orton. Hannah sank every shot to give Hinckley a 26-13 lead at half time. Hinckley pushed on with much of the same in the third quarter and brought on the hustler, Annis Pears at goal keeper to make the Ambleside shooters work hard for every goal. Hinckley really started to show their quality with 100% effort from every player. They finished the game with a 41-36 win with a well-deserved player of the match going to Hannah Wallace.
C team vs Godiva B
LOSS 31-34
Hinckley C welcomed Godiva B for a Saturday morning home fixture, with both teams keen to set the tone early. From the first whistle, it was clear this would be a tightly contested game, with neither side able to gain a comfortable advantage. The opening three quarters were evenly matched, with just one or two goals separating the teams at each break. Hinckley C showed great composure throughout, moving the ball confidently through court and working hard to convert chances under pressure. Defensively, Karen Malkin, Amber Nixon and Anna Clayden worked hard, applying consistent pressure and forcing turnovers that kept Hinckley firmly in the contest. In mid court, Sue Ley and Katie Phillips worked tirelessly, with Katie Phillips running out the entire game at centre and providing relentless drive and support in both attack and defence. Their work rate helped Hinckley maintain momentum during some intense passages of play. Th shooters Velvet, Dara and Chloe Phillips kept up a steady stream of goals throughout, delivering a fantastic performance under the post and keeping Hinckley within touching distance right to the final whistle. Despite their efforts, Godiva B managed to edge ahead in the closing minutes of the final quarter, pulling out a three-goal lead to take the win. Although the result didn’t go Hinckley C’s way, it was a strong team performance full of determination and grit, with Chloe Phillips earning player of the match for an excellent second-half shooting display. Final score was 31-34.
D team vs Ambleside E
LOSS 23-49
Hinckley D went into the match knowing it would be a tough game and despite a slow start in the first quarter, they stayed positive throughout. Taking time to find their feet allowed Ambleside E to take an early lead, ending the quarter 3–6. As the game settled, Hinckley’s shooters worked hard to convert goals, with strong teamwork through the midcourt and good defensive pressure applied. A few early changes were made, and although Hinckley found it difficult to find their rhythm, the team continued to work hard, with the score at half time 11–19. The third quarter proved challenging for Hinckley, with Ambleside capitalising on opportunities to push the score to 17–32. Further changes were made in the final quarter with Hinckley continuing to show determination and effort until the final whistle. The match finished 23–49 in favour of Ambleside E. Despite the result, Ella Wilkinson was a standout and fully deserved player of the match, delivering brilliant defensive pressure at GK throughout. Hinckley D will reflect on the performance, take the positives forward, and be ready for the game next week.”
E team vs Alvis D
WIN 41-22
Hinckley E team displayed excellent team effort at home on Saturday against Alvis D after a 6-week break of playing together following the Christmas break and called off matches due to the recent snowy weather. Despite being keen to be back on court, Hinckley took a while to settle and the ball went end to end with the score being low at the end of the first quarter at 6-5. However, confidence grew and Hinckley pushed on into the second quarter, finally gelling as a team. There were some amazing intercepts from Summer Ashley and great defence from Rose and Amy Stuckey in the circle to turnover ball which was worked down court tirelessly by Ivy and Charlotte Pinkham to Sofia and Anita King in the circle. Hinckley ended the second quarter up by 15 goals with Alvis only scoring 6! A change to the team at half time saw Claire Cousin come into GK and Ellie Calvert-Collinson to WA with both making an immediate impact, helping to extend the lead 32-17. Thanks to team effort the game ended 41-22 with a well-deserved player of the match awarded to Summer Ashley at centre.
27th January
Rearranged game: B team vs Leamington D
LOSS 28-38
Hinckley B visited Leamington D in a game that showcased the skills and sportsmanship of both teams. Despite a strong defensive display by Leamington D, Hinckley B’s shooting duo, Carole Payne and Hannah Wallace, proved to be a strong force, keeping the score relatively close in the first quarter with Hinckley B trailing by just three goals. Great defensive work in the centre court from new team member Alice Bates, who racked up an impressive number of interceptions, meant that the team had many opportunities to capitalise and add goals to the tally. However, Leamington D upped their game in the second quarter and their pressure and precision ultimately left Hinckley B eight goals adrift at the midpoint. Leamington continued their momentum through to the end of the match, ending 10 goals ahead of Hinckley 38-28. Despite this, the atmosphere remained friendly and supportive, with both teams demonstrating excellent sportsmanship throughout. Cara Stuckey was named player of the match, with her impressive all-round performance earning well-deserved recognition. The match was a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists between local netball teams, and a reminder that, win or lose, the true spirit of the game is alive and well in Leamington and Hinckley.
31st January
B team vs Cov & NW C
WIN 53-26
Hinckley B played at home against Cov & NW C on Saturday who were sitting directly below them in the league table. Hinckley made a steady start, pulling into a 5 goal lead at quarter time and then pushing on, conceding only 4 goals in the second quarter. The defensive end pressed hard throughout, forcing the Cov & NW shooters into errors and turnovers, giving the new Hinckley shooting combination of Lucy Orton and Hannah Wallace plenty of opportunities which they converted clinically. Hinckley were winning 29-13 at half time, then continued their pressure and energy in the third and fourth quarters, again conceding few goals and linking up well down the court with strong attacking play. Hinckley continued pressing hard all match in every position and the final score saw a Hinckley win by 53-26. Player of the match went to Cara Stuckey for her strong play through the court.
C team vs Ernesford E
LOSS 47-51
Hinckley C team faced off against top of the table Ernesford E and entered the game trying to put the big loss to the back of their minds from the last time they faced them. Hinckley C started off strong with a different line-up due to team availability. With their full defensive end in action consisting of Karen Malkin, Anna Clayden, and Amber Nixon, the trio turned over balls and flew for intercepts meaning Hinckley were leading 25-23 by halftime. Some changes were made and a drop in Hinckleys energy meant Ernesford shooters pulled ahead in the third quarter. With Alice Bates at centre, Caron Ogden (subbing up from D team) at wing defence and Sue Ley in the wing attack bib, the ball made its way smoothly down court which meant that Dara and Velvet could sink shot after shot to keep Hinckley within 7. Unfortunately a fall from Dara forced another rejig to the line-up with Lucy Orton racing on as goal shooter for the last few minutes. Hinckley kept fighting to the end, still forcing turnovers and getting the goals in right until the final whistle. A fantastic performance meant that they only lost by 4 this time with the game ending 47-51. Player of the match was awarded to Dara for a fantastic performance.
D team vs Godiva B
WIN 33-17
Hinckley D played Godiva D away and made a good start in the first quarter, building up an early lead with great attacking play from Bridgette Allen and Tracey Pallett in the shooting circle. The centre court worked brilliantly together into the second quarter, maintaining Hinckley’s lead with great interceptions and passages of play from Beth Swain, Ellie Walsh and Caron Ogden. The defensive end further helped to increase Hinckley’s lead before half time with Maia Corbett and Jen Paulley working brilliantly together to keep pressure on the opposition players. With a couple of changes at half time, Hinckley increased their lead with some more brilliant shooting from attack and great pressure in centre court from Jasmin Bates. Defence built on the success from the first half of the match with Ella Wilkinson and Maia Corbett working well together to keep Hinckley in front. A great game from Hinckley D resulted in a 33-17 win and a very well deserved player of the match to Beth Swain who worked tirelessly all across the court to win numerous turnovers for the team.
E team vs Ambleside E
LOSS 20-29
Hinckley E travelled to Ambleside for a well played, physically challenging match. The first quarter started with a steady pace and attackers were determined to keep the ball moving towards the net, ending the quarter leading 7-8 to Hinckley. The players were determined to keep morale high continuing into the second quarter with lots of tips on the ball from Amy Stuckey playing in goal defence but the shooters were struggling to score. Despite the constant support from Ivy and Ellie Calvert-Collinson on the attacking circle edge, the opposition were quite physical making it very difficult for the shooting pair to add goals to the tally. Ambleside took advantage of this and went ahead to widen the gap score 17-9. Going into the second half changes were made in Hinckley’s attack and defence were trying to win ball to change the results. Hinckley regained some composure and won the third quarter goals wide but needed to give their all to close down the lead that Ambleside had gained. The last quarters consisted of lots of turnovers by Charlotte Pinkham at wing defence and interceptions by the defensive circle however the opposition were keen and tough. In the last quarter Hinckley did close the gap and get within 4 goals of Ambleside but their strong defence in the circle did enough to defer our shooters with the game ending 20-29 to Ambleside. A well deserved player of the match was awarded to Rose playing goal keeper for her close marking and many interceptions on court. Hinckley left with fire and drive for their next game!
7th February
B team vs Alvis A
WIN 53-47
Hinckley B produced a strong and determined team performance to secure a well-earned 53–47 victory over Alvis in a closely fought and competitive match. The game began at a high pace, with both teams showing attacking intent. Hinckley edged ahead in the first quarter, leading 12–10, thanks to solid defensive pressure from Annis Pears and Lucy Chapman who worked well together to limit Alvis’ scoring opportunities. In the midcourt, Alice Bates, Lucy Steele and Lucy Orton worked tirelessly to move the ball through the court and support both defence and attack. Their speed, communication, and work rate helped Hinckley stay composed under pressure. In the shooting circle, Hannah Wallace and Carole Payne showed great accuracy and movement, keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Alvis responded strongly in the second quarter, and the teams went into halftime level at 24–24. The third quarter remained tightly contested, with neither side able to gain a clear advantage. Strong team defence and consistent shooting saw the score remain tied at 36–36 heading into the final period. The final quarter was intense, with both teams pushing for the win. Hinckley showed great resilience and determination, increasing their defensive pressure thanks to D team sub Ella Wilkinson who had to come on due to an injury from Annis. and The midcourt now with Erika Payne at centre due to a twisted knee from Lucy Steele continued to work hard to transition the ball quickly, while the shooters remained calm and focused in the circle. Hinckley finished strongly in the closing minutes to secure the 53–47 win. With outstanding performances in the shooting circle, Hannah and Carole were deservedly named joint players of the match.
C team vs Warwick Ladies A
WIN 49-22
Hinckley C delivered a strong performance to secure a convincing win over Warwick Ladies on Saturday. Hinckley settled quickly, with sharp attacking movement and confident shooting giving them an early lead with Chloe Phillips and Velvet G linking beautifully in the circle. The team built a steady lead in the first half, going into the half-time break ahead 27–11. Through the midcourt, Sue Ley and Katie Phillips controlled the game well, offering strong drives and consistent feeds into the circle. Defensively, Alice Bates applied relentless pressure, forcing errors and creating turnover opportunities that Hinckley capitalised on. In defence, Anna Clayden and Amber Nixon combined effectively, shutting down Warwick’s shooting options and contesting rebounds to limit their opportunities. Hinckley’s steady play, teamwork, and endless energy earned them a well-deserved 49–22 win. Velvet’s shooting performance was a standout, earning her player of the match for her accuracy, movement, and composure in the circle.
D team vs JLR B
WIN 46-17
Hinckley D delivered a strong performance against JLR B, securing a 46-17 win in a game that was more competitive than the scoreline suggests. Hinckley made a flying start, dominating the first quarter 17-1 through fast, accurate play and intense defensive pressure. The connection between goal attack Tracey Pallett and goal shooter Bridgette Allen was excellent, with constant movement in and around the circle creating scoring opportunities. Centre court ensured quick transition down the court, with Jasmine Bates and Caron Ogden’s fast feet combined with Ellie Walsh’s accurate feeds into the D and interceptions across the court. Defensively, Jen Paulley at goal keeper and Ella Wilkinson in goal defence formed a solid wall in the first half, making it difficult for JLR’s attack to break through and rebounds were kept firmly in Hinckley hands. JLR lifted their game in the second quarter, bringing on a taller goal keeper to prevent overhead feeds, but Hinckley continued to push the score on. In the second half, Hannah Simpson moved into goal defence with her fast hands creating extra turnovers alongside tight marking from Beth Swain. Hinckley maintained pressure throughout to finish 46-17, with player of the match awarded to Ellie Walsh for an outstanding all-round performance.
E team vs Ernesford H
LOSS 26-31
Hinckley E played Ernesford H at home at the weekend in a competitive and well-fought game. A steady first quarter ended neck and neck at 7 all. Hinckley made no changes going into the second quarter with the team keeping the energy high. There was great movement across the court, from defence through to attack, with some great intercepts and pressure from defence Amy Stuckey and Claire Cousin. Despite their efforts, Ernesford edged ahead ending 12-16 at half time. At the break, Hinckley made a few changes, bringing on fresh legs and a change up in attack due to an injury in the second quarter. Rose and Ivy in center court worked hard to intercept passes, but Ernesford continued their lead after some rushed passes from Hinckley ending the third quarter 18-27. Going into the final quarter, Hinckley picked their heads up and were determined to close the gap. The whole team put in a fantastic effort with some great interceptions to bring the ball down the court quickly and convert it into goals. Unfortunately, Ernesford took the win, but Hinckley’s hard work brought them back within 5 goals with a final score 26-31. Player of the match was awarded to Claire Cousin at goal keeper for her brilliant defensive work and pressure throughout the game.
28th February
B team vs Bulkington B
LOSS 42-43
Hinckley B put in a brilliant team performance against top‑of‑the‑table Bulkington Bs, narrowly losing 43–42. The first half was evenly matched, with both sides trading goals, but it was the third quarter where Bulkington managed to pull away, finishing the period 36–27 ahead. Despite the nine‑goal gap, Hinckley came out for the final quarter with real determination. They worked for every intercept, chased down loose balls, and moved the ball through the court smoothly, with some excellent feeds into the circle helping to build momentum. The defence produced several key turnovers, and the whole team contributed to a fantastic fightback that brought them within one goal of a draw. Hannah Wallace in the goal attack bib was named player of the match, and despite the narrow loss, the team finished in great spirits after proving they could match the league leaders and produce some of their best netball of the season.
C team vs Earlsdon Highway D
WIN 45-28
Hinckley C were up against Earlsdon Highway D on Saturday. The shooters found early rhythm, converting crucial chances to keep the scoreboard ticking over. However, Earlsdon Highway was never far behind, responding with patient build-up play. Turnovers were hard-earned, with both teams applying strong pressure and forcing errors. Hinckley edged the opening quarter to lead 12–9. The second quarter was equally as tight yet Hinckley maintained their 3 goal lead to 23-20. The third quarter is when Hinckley began to take charge. Consistent tips and tight marking in defence limited Earlsdon Highways conversions, and Hinckley’s attacking unit took on each opportunity to widen the score to 33-24. The last quarter showcased Hinckley’s great defence with the opposition only scoring 4 goals to our 12. This coincided with the great shooting by Velvet and Chloe Phillips to extend our lead further. Final score was 45–28 with a great all around performance by the team and player of the match going to Velvet G in the goal shooter bib.
D team vs Bulkington C
LOSS 41-63
Hinckley showed great determination at the weekend despite a 63–41 defeat. A settled start in the first quarter saw Hinckley move the ball confidently and create good shooting opportunities, keeping the game competitive early on. The second quarter brought a series of unforced errors and saw the opposition maximising turnovers and extending their lead. Hinckley played with renewed energy and composure in the third quarter, linking well through centre court and applying stronger defensive pressure. In the final quarter, the team remained resilient, fighting for every ball and working hard until the final whistle, showing plenty of character throughout. Maia Corbett was awarded player of the match for her fantastic defensive performance at goal keeper.
28th February
B team vs Bulkington B
LOSS 42-43
Hinckley B put in a brilliant team performance against top‑of‑the‑table Bulkington Bs, narrowly losing 43–42. The first half was evenly matched, with both sides trading goals, but it was the third quarter where Bulkington managed to pull away, finishing the period 36–27 ahead. Despite the nine‑goal gap, Hinckley came out for the final quarter with real determination. They worked for every intercept, chased down loose balls, and moved the ball through the court smoothly, with some excellent feeds into the circle helping to build momentum. The defence produced several key turnovers, and the whole team contributed to a fantastic fightback that brought them within one goal of a draw. Hannah Wallace in the goal attack bib was named player of the match, and despite the narrow loss, the team finished in great spirits after proving they could match the league leaders and produce some of their best netball of the season.
C team vs Earlsdon Highway D
WIN 45-28
Hinckley C were up against Earlsdon Highway D on Saturday. The shooters found early rhythm, converting crucial chances to keep the scoreboard ticking over. However, Earlsdon Highway was never far behind, responding with patient build-up play. Turnovers were hard-earned, with both teams applying strong pressure and forcing errors. Hinckley edged the opening quarter to lead 12–9. The second quarter was equally as tight yet Hinckley maintained their 3 goal lead to 23-20. The third quarter is when Hinckley began to take charge. Consistent tips and tight marking in defence limited Earlsdon Highways conversions, and Hinckley’s attacking unit took on each opportunity to widen the score to 33-24. The last quarter showcased Hinckley’s great defence with the opposition only scoring 4 goals to our 12. This coincided with the great shooting by Velvet and Chloe Phillips to extend our lead further. Final score was 45–28 with a great all around performance by the team and player of the match going to Velvet G in the goal shooter bib.
D team vs Bulkington C
LOSS 41-63
Hinckley showed great determination at the weekend despite a 63–41 defeat. A settled start in the first quarter saw Hinckley move the ball confidently and create good shooting opportunities, keeping the game competitive early on. The second quarter brought a series of unforced errors and saw the opposition maximising turnovers and extending their lead. Hinckley played with renewed energy and composure in the third quarter, linking well through centre court and applying stronger defensive pressure. In the final quarter, the team remained resilient, fighting for every ball and working hard until the final whistle, showing plenty of character throughout. Maia Corbett was awarded player of the match for her fantastic defensive performance at goal keeper.
7th March
A team vs Earlsdon Highway B
WIN 48-43
Hinckley A travelled to Earlsdon Highway for what was billed as a must‑win clash to keep their promotion hopes alive. With changes forced in the defensive end due to injury and illness, the squad knew they’d need adaptability and a big performance to take the points. After six long weeks without a competitive match, Hinckley had a slow start. Earlsdon Highway B came out strong and edged ahead early on. Despite steady attacking play, Hinckley couldn’t quite close the gap, ending the quarter 13–11 down but very much still in the contest. The second quarter had all the chaos and character of a true promotion battle. A clash of heads in defence saw Daisy Savage forced off temporarily with a nosebleed. Annis Pears entered the court and continued applying determined pressure to disrupt the Highway shooters. Hinckley’s attack took a little time to settle, and at one stage trailed by seven. But when Daisy returned, she brought instant energy and urgency, sparking a lift across the whole court. Hinckley dug deep, regrouped, and chipped away to finish the half just two goals behind. The third quarter was nothing short of superb. In defence, Holly Hemsley and Daisy Savage formed a formidable partnership, reading the play beautifully and turning over multiple crucial balls. The pressure didn’t stop there. Cara Stuckey, making her first appearance for the A team, and Erika Payne, were relentless through the midcourt, flying in for intercepts and disrupting Highway’s rhythm. Their work created clean channels for Beth Sutcliffe and Lucy Marsden to connect strongly in attack, moving the ball with speed, control, and confidence. Hinckley dominated the quarter 10–16, flipping the game on its head and taking a four‑goal lead into the final 15 minutes. With a narrow buffer, Hinckley knew control and patience would be key. Energy dipped slightly as the intensity of the match wore on, but Francesca Tomassoni provided a strong, steady presence in the shooting circle. Her smart positioning and composed finishing allowed Hinckley to slow the pace, settle the ball, and protect their lead. They edged the quarter by one and, more importantly, secured the game by five goals, sealing a vital victory. Beth Sutcliffe was outstanding throughout—quick, composed, and fearless in attack. Her timing on drives, calmness on the feed, and willingness to hold her space under pressure made her invaluable. She took the physical contest in her stride and refused to be bullied off the ball, fully earning her player of the match. The final score was Hinckley A 48 – 43 Earlsdon Highway B.
B team vs Copeswood B
LOSS 39-57
The match started quickly with both teams finding the shooters easily. However, Copeswood established better control in attack and finished the first quarter ahead. The second quarter saw Copeswood extend their lead with a strong scoring run but Hinckley B continued to work the ball well through the court and added goals steadily. In the third quarter, Hinckley B produced their strongest period of the game. Defensive pressure improved and goals by Carole Payne and Hannah Wallace were outstanding, closing the gap in the third quarter, 32 – 39. In the final quarter Copeswood managed to regain control, converting consistently in the shooting circle and pulling away again with the game ending 39 – 57 in their favour. Player of the match went to Annis Pears for a great display in defence.
C team vs Cherry Bombs
WIN 64-24
Hinckley C faced Cherry Bombs in their penultimate away game of the season. Hinckley started brightly with some fantastic work in defence by Karen Malkin at goal keeper and Amber Nixon at goal defence, applying pressure for the oppositions shooters. Anna Clayden at wing defence turned over lots of ball which made their way down court and into the shooting circle to go 19-4 ahead after 15 minutes. The second quarter saw much of the same and Hinckley continued to push on, with Kim Walker at centre and Katie Phillips at wing attack providing great feeds into the shooting circle, where Chloe Phillips at goal attack and Velvet G at goal shooter sunk their shots and worked seamlessly together. At half time and with Hinckley 20 goals ahead, Sue Ley entered the midcourt, making an immediate impact with her attacking skills and fantastic feeds into the shooters, bringing a new burst of energy to the team. The second half of the match saw Hinckley go from strength to strength, and after 45 minutes the score was 50-17 with Cherry Bombs only able to score 5 goals in the third quarter. For the final 15 minutes, Hinckley continued to work tirelessly for each other to reward their turnovers. It was a dominant performance with a 64-24 win, and player of the match went to Amber Nixon for her outstanding work in the defensive end.
D team vs Alvis C WIN
WIN 46-21
Hinckley D delivered a strong team performance to secure a convincing 46–21 win over Alvis C. The team started well, moving the ball confidently through the court and using effective triangles to create space and passing options. Good attacking movement and accurate shooting helped Hinckley establish a 16–5 lead by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw excellent defensive pressure from Maia Corbett, Hannah Simpson and Jen Paulley which disrupted Alvis’ play and forced several turnovers. Hinckley capitalised on this with patient build-up play and well-timed feeds into the circle, allowing the shooters to extend the lead to 26–8 at half time. Alvis increased their attacking effort in the third quarter, but Hinckley maintained their structure and composure. Consistent circle feeds and confident shooting kept the scoreboard ticking over, pushing the score to 37–15. Hinckley continued their strong performance in the final quarter with quick ball movement and solid defence to close out the match comfortably, finishing 46–21 winners. Player of the match went to Jasmin Bates for an excellent performance in midcourt, contributing strongly in both defence and attack throughout the game.
Hinckley E vs Bulkington D
LOSS 14-25
Hinckley E took on Bulkington D in one of their toughest matches of the season. With turnovers happening across both ends of the court, the first quarter stayed low scoring, finishing 5–3 to Bulkington. The challenge continued into the second quarter, with some great attacking play from Ivy, Summer Ashley, Sofia and Ann-Marie Copple, who worked really well together to move the ball down the court and into the circle. Defence remained strong in the third quarter, with some lovely intercepts from Rose and Amy Stuckey helping to keep the scoreline tight. Going into the final quarter, Bulkington held a 16–11 lead. The last quarter saw Hinckley push hard with just five goals in it. Ivy at wing attack and Ellie Calvert-Collinson showing great endurance at wing defence helped work the ball down the court, while Emma at goal attack moved well in the circle to create space and keep the attack flowing. Bulkington eventually secured the win with a final score of 25–14, but Hinckley put up a strong fight and certainly didn’t make it easy for them. Player of the match went to Amy Stuckey for a solid performance at goal defence.
12th March
Rearranged game
B team vs JLR A
LOSS 20-23
Hinckley B endured a gruelling night at the courts on Thursday evening, falling narrowly to JLR in a match defined more by the elements than the playbook. Under a relentless downpour and punishing winds, both sides struggled to find their rhythm in what became a gritty battle of attrition. The typical fluid movement and sharp execution associated with the B team were hampered by the “horrendous” conditions. The squad uncharacteristically struggled with frequent dropped balls as the grip became non-existent, sloppy passing and unforced throwing errors. Fortunately for the hosts, the weather was a “great equalizer,” forcing similar errors from the JLR camp. The gale-force wind proved to be the toughest opponent of all, turning every shot into a gamble and making clinical finishing nearly impossible. This led to an unusually low-scoring defensive slog where every point felt earned through sheer willpower. Despite a spirited fight to stay within touching distance, Hinckley couldn’t quite close the gap as the final whistle blew and JLR took the win. Final score was 20-23 with player of the match going to Cara Stuckey in the centre bib.
14th March
A team vs Ambleside B
WIN 68-58
Hinckley A headed away to Ambleside for an afternoon game on Saturday. The match began under high pressure as Hinckley struggled to find their rhythm against a tough Ambleside side. Despite their best efforts to disrupt their flow, Ambleside capitalised on early turnovers and executed their shooting with pinpoint accuracy, leaving Hinckley trailing by four goals at the end of the first quarter. A strategic quarter time team talk saw Hinckley’s attack increase the intensity; allowing their defence to work the ball down meant they could then work hard in the goal third and convert every centre pass to goal. Hinckley’s defensive unit also stepped up; reducing penalties against them and securing vital interceptions, stunting Ambleside’s momentum that quarter. By half-time, Hinckley had successfully closed the gap and they headed into the second half with a two goal lead. Hinckley maintained their defensive pressure and pin point shooting into the second half. Player of the match, Cara Stuckey, worked tirelessly to turn over possession on each centre pass and offload it safely to Hinckley’s attack. Goal attack Lucy Marsden and goal shooter Francesca Tomassoni continued to seamlessly convert every turnover made in defence, increasing Hinckley’s lead to win the high scoring game with a final score of 68-58.
B team vs Synergy B
WIN 58-35
Hinckley B produced a fantastic display of netball on Saturday as they secured a convincing 58–35 victory over Synergy B, bouncing back brilliantly after Thursday’s tough match played in difficult wind and rain. From the first centre pass, Hinckley settled into a smooth attacking rhythm. The ball moved confidently through the court, with the attacking unit linking well to create consistent opportunities in the circle. Much of the attacking momentum came from the tireless work of Hannah Wallace at goal attack whose sharp drives and intelligent movement opened up space and provided excellent options for the feeders. Her work rate coupled with smart play from Carole Payne at goal shooter to draw the defenders out, helped ensure the ball was delivered cleanly into the circle time and time again by Lucy Orton at wing attack and Cara Stuckey at centre. Communication across the defensive unit made up of Emma Draycott at goal shooter, Lucy Chapman at goal defence and Annis Pears at wing defence was outstanding, with all players working cohesively to anticipate passes and apply pressure at the right moments. This strong defensive organisation resulted in multiple turnovers, which were quickly converted into attacking opportunities at the other end. Overall, it was a confident and cohesive performance from Hinckley B, with every area of the court contributing to an excellent team display and a fantastic win. Player of the match went to Cara Stuckey who steadied the attacking play in the centre bib.
C team vs Ernesford F
WIN 24-46
Hinckley C were up against Ernesford F on Saturday. The game was competitive from the start with both teams working hard across the court. Ernesford managed to gain a lead 13-5 lead at the end of the first quarter but Hinckley came back stronger in the second quarter with better communication to create more chances to score. However, the opposition maintained their advantage going into half time 25-12. Hinckley changed their attack with sub Tracey Pallett coming on as goal shooter , Velvet G moving to goal attack and Chloe Phillips into the wing attack bib. With the fresh changes, the third quarter saw nice work into the shooting circle and the score after three quarters was 33-19 with Ernesford still in the lead. The last quarter saw great defensive tips from Anna Clayden and Amber Nixon in defence. The team managed to score a point by getting within half with the final score 46-24 to Ernesford. It was a great all around effort by the team with the player of the match going to Chloe Phillips.
D team vs Rugby D
WIN 50-34
Hinckley D played their return fixture at home in a great match against Rugby D after narrowly winning the away fixture earlier in the season. Hinckley started off strong with excellent communication throughout the court and great positive energy across the team. Strong defensive pressure from Maia Corbett, Ella Wilkinson and Hannah Simpson forced some held balls, allowing Hinckley to take an early lead at the end of the first quarter. The fluid play continued throughout the second quarter, with some excellent attacking play from centre Caron Ogden and wing attack Jasmin Whitehurst. Good communication and patient build-up play, including some great use of the triangles worked on in training this week, allowed Hinckley to feed confidently into the circle where goal attack Tracey Pallett and goal shooter Jen Paulley converted well to pull away with a 23–15 lead at half time. This much improved play continued throughout the remainder of the game as Hinckley maintained strong communication and continued to pull ahead, with the defence applying fantastic pressure on the Rugby attack. Hinckley’s patience and movement helped them keep control of the game, leading to a convincing 50–34 win at the final whistle. Player of the match went to Tracey Pallett at goal attack for an outstanding performance.
E team vs Earlsdon Highway F
WIN 32-26
Hinckley E made a strong start in the first quarter against Earlsdon Highway F securing a strong 5 goal lead. Excellent work in defence from Claire Cousin, Amy Stuckey and Rose made sure Hinckley got some great turnovers which the team then took to goal. Midcourt worked well together to bring the ball down court with Sofia making her debut in wing attack, a natural in this position. The shooters, Ann-Marie Copple and Emma used some lovely triangles to maintain the teams lead. This lead continued throughout the match with heads held high and a great game played by all. Hinckley E won the game 32-26 thanks to support from the sideline including captain Charlotte who is out due to injury. This win was much needed to cling on to promotion hopes and player of the match deservingly went to Rose for her great work in defence.
17th March
Rearranged game
Hinckley A vs Ernesford B
LOSS 46-49
Hinckley A travelled to Ernesford for a rearranged midweek fixture, knowing it was a must-win game to keep their promotion hopes alive. With multiple injuries leaving the squad stretched, Hinckley A called on the B team players for some much needed support. Hinckley started the game confidently, capitalising on Ernesford’s mistakes, while accurate shooting from Fran Tomassoni and Lucy Marsden helped them build an early 14–8 lead. Ernesford responded well and fought their way back into the game, narrowing the gap to 24–21 by half-time. A series of frustrating decisions shifted the momentum, and the match became a tense, end-to-end contest. Ernesford continued to chase down Hinckley’s lead, and it went goal for goal right up until the final whistle. Defensive pressure from Holly Hemsley, Cara Stuckey and player of the match Jess Rainbow slowed Ernesford’s attack, but unfortunately Hinckley were narrowly edged out, with Ernesford taking the win 49–46. It was a disappointing result for Hinckley which now leaves their promotion hopes out of their hands, with their fate now resting on results from rival teams.
21st March
A team vs Harbury A
WIN 51-38
The sun was shining on a glorious Saturday for Hinckley A to face Harbury A at home. Several injuries meant Hinckley were missing players but luckily had the support of the B team players again. A slow start with Hinckley needing to find their rhythm meant they left quarter one drawing 12-12. The game stayed very even between the tao teams with the introduction of Jess Rainbow into wing attack feeding regular shooters Lucy and Fran. During the second quarter Hinckley built on the perfectly timed tips from Hannah Wallace in wing defence deservedly getting player at the end of the game. We also saw the introduction of Lucy Chapman in defence whose incredible defensive lean and rebounds allowed Hinckley to finish quarter three, 40-29. Holly Hemsley, who had continued with her work from previous games in defence moved to make a huge impact in attack, delivering ball safely to shooters. Hinckley stepped on the gas in the last quarter and finished the game confidently winning 51-38.
B team vs JLR A
WIN 41-27
Hinckley B wrapped up their season in style with a fantastic away victory against JLR A at Kenilworth School, played under glorious sunshine and clear blue skies—perfect conditions for their final game of the season. The match began with both sides evenly matched, battling hard in a competitive first quarter that ended 5–5. Hinckley settled into their rhythm in the second quarter, with strong movement through the court and clinical finishing from the shooting circle giving them a narrow lead at 19–16. By the third quarter, Hinckley’s defence really came into its own. Annis Pears, Lucy Chapman, and Emma Draycott worked tirelessly to disrupt JLR’s attack, making crucial interceptions and turnovers that allowed Hinckley to extend their lead significantly to 31–19. The final quarter saw Hinckley maintain their dominance, with excellent link-up play through the court from Cara Stuckey, Lucy Orton and Lucy Steele, who were outstanding in transition. In the shooting circle, Carole Payne and Hannah Wallace proved to be a formidable duo, converting chances with confidence and consistency. A special mention goes to player of the match, Hannah Wallace, whose incredible tips, sharp movement, and all-round play made a huge impact on the game. The final whistle blew with a convincing 41–27 win for Hinckley B, a brilliant performance and the perfect way to end the season.
C team vs Stockton D
WIN 46-42
Hinckley C faced Stockton D on a bright afternoon. The first quarter started positively with the defensive combination made up of Ella Wilkinson and Amber Nixon turning over plenty of balls to bring Hinckley ahead 14-13. The second quarter improved massively with Kim Walker, Katie Phillips and Sue Ley bringing the ball down court however Stockton edged ahead, 21- 24. At half time everyone was working to intercept the ball and work it into the shooting circle made up of Chloe Phillips and Velvet G. Hinckley continued to push on to make the score 35-35 after 45 minutes played. Going into the final quarter with the first centre being Hinckley’s, Stockton D made Hinckley work hard however Hinckley maintained composure to win the game 46-42. Player of the match went to Sue for her hard work down the court and consistent drives for the ball.
D team vs Bedworth A
WIN 54-23
Hinckley D enjoyed one of the first truly sunny Saturdays of the netball season as they took on Bedworth A in a match played in great spirit. After months of battling cold, wind and rain, the sunshine was definitely welcome, although it brought its own challenge, with the heat feeling energy-zapping at times! Despite that, Hinckley produced a strong and consistent performance across all four quarters to secure an impressive 54-23 win over a lovely Bedworth side. Hinckley got off to an excellent start in quarter one, quickly settling into the game and building strong momentum through the court. In attack, Bridgette Allen at goal shooter and Tracey Pallett at goal attack worked effectively together, converting well and making the most of opportunities created. Through midcourt, Jasmin Bates at wing attack and Ellie Walsh at centre were instrumental in driving play and linking the team from defence into attack. Defensively, Maia Corbett at wing defence, Hannah Simpson at goal defence and Jennifer Paulley at goal keeper applied relentless pressure to help Hinckley to a superb 17-6 opening quarter. The same line-up remained on court for quarter two and Hinckley continued to build. The attacking end kept the scoreboard ticking over, while the defensive unit stayed disciplined and forced Bedworth to work hard for every goal. Hinckley added another 14 goals in the quarter, making this a strong scoring quarter to take Hinckley into a commanding 31-14 lead into half time. In quarter 3, Jennifer Paulley moved to goal shooter and Ella Wilkinson came on at goal keeper, and a switch up happened with Jasmin and Ellie in midcourt attack. This quarter proved to be Hinckley’s strongest defensive period, with the team restricting Bedworth to just 4 goals. The defensive circle worked brilliantly together, with Ella Wilkinson settling in well alongside Hannah Simpson, while Maia Corbett continued to disrupt play further up the court. Hinckley still added 9 goals of their own to extend the lead to 40-18. For quarter four, Bridgette Allen returned to goal shooter and Jennifer Paulley moved into goal attack while Ella Wilkinson remained at goal keeper. Hinckley finished strongly, matching their strong scoring with another 14-goal quarter, while conceding only 5. The team continued to work tirelessly despite the warm conditions, showing strong teamwork and composure right through to the final whistle. Jasmin Bates and Ellie Walsh were both awarded players of the match with the opposition commenting that they struggled to choose and had been tempted to award it to the whole team, which was a lovely reflection of both Hinckley’s overall performance and the excellent spirit in which the game was played. Jasmin and Ellie were fully deserving recipients, with both putting in huge performances in midcourt and working relentlessly all game.
E team vs Henley F
WIN 38-28
Hinckley E took on Henley F at home in the penultimate match of the season for the E team. Both teams were playing strongly with fierce competition from the start, but Hinckley edged into the lead at 9-7 at the quarter time break thanks to accurate shooting from Ann-Marie Copple and Emma S. The second quarter saw the fierce competition continue with Hinckley putting the pressure on Henley and all players challenging every pass and creating turnovers. Ellie Calvert-Collinson and Sofia S worked creatively around the circle ensuring there was a steady feed of passes into the shooters, extending Hinckley’s lead to 20-11 at the half time break. The third quarter saw Henley challenging to come back into the game. Continued defensive pressure from Rose H, Amy Stuckey and Claire Cousin continued to disrupt Henley’s flow and Hinckley remained in the lead at three quarter time. The final quarter saw Hinckley press on with a full team effort that led to a Hinckley win of 38-28. Ivy B was deservingly named deserved player of the match with fantastic movement, feeds into the circle and a brief appearance in a defensive position, which Ivy covered seamlessly.

