Hinckley ladies A team were looking to maintain their winning streak v Stockton at home last week. The game started pretty steadily for Hinckley with a 10 goal lead after the first quarter. With excellent attacking play and defensive work in and around the circle, Stockton had been stretched to a 17 goal difference by the end of the second quarter, 30-13. The umpires took hold of the game as the heat started to rise, Hinckley were stretching the gap further despite decisions not going their way. Carole Payne and Carmen Whittaker, the shooting duo, were on fire consistently shooting well. The last quarter started goal for goal until again, Hinckley’s defence came out strong, but not enough to ensure Stockton did not get within half for a point. Hinckley secured a 62-31 with POM Kate Chamberlain at GD.
This Saturday the A team played Coventry Sphinx for the second time this season. With only two loses and seven wins the pressure was on to continue their success. Hinckley flew out of the starting block in the first quarter and controlled a fast paced game to end 7-5. In the second Sphinx stepped it up narrowing the gap with some impressive turnover balls ending it 13-14. However, with consistent efforts from the centre court players Hinckley showed some impressive linking play down the court finishing the third quarter 21-22. Hinckley returned for the final period with composure and drive, keeping possession and finished the game 30-25 to continue their winning success. Player of the match was once again Ashleigh Oakes.
The first of the weekend’s games at home for Hinckley Ladies Netball was that of the B Team. Having lost by just 4 goals to Offchurch B in the first meeting of the season, Hinckley knew this would be a close game. At half time the score was 14-14 and both teams had fought hard at either end of the court. However in the final quarter Offchurch managed to take the lead and win the game. Final score 23-29 and player of the match, centre Lucy Masser.
Hinckley C’s played Alvis this week. Hinckley took an early lead while both teams were finding their feet. With the defence turning over possession throughout the match allowing Hinckley to keep the pressure on Alvis and for Hinckley to use the play to stay comfortably in the lead. It was a tense last quarter for Hinckley as Alvis managed to move 3 goals ahead, however Hinckley were able to take back control and regain the lead just in time for the final whistle. Final score 23-22, POM was GA Beth Willars
Hinckley E played Stockton away after a 3 week break. Hinckley started off hesitantly which Stockton used to their advantage, working the ball around their shooting circle making it difficult for the Hinckley defence. Stockton lead by 9 – 5 at the end of the first quarter. In the second the E’s gained more possession and the defenders read the ball better with Ella Wilkinson at GK managing to tip many of the balls away from the accurate shooter. At half time, Hinckley were 7 behind. After attacking positional changes Hinckley were more settled in the third quarter and scored 10 goals to Stockton’s 8. The E’s kept their cool and kept fighting for every ball but were unfortunate not to get more from the game as it ended 35-30 in Stockton’s favour. Player of the match went to Anna Poulson at GS/GA for her strength and movement in and around the circle.
Starting the game with 7 players against Synergy this week, Hinckley F team soon lost their shooter to illness taking them down to just 6. Behind by 5 goals to 15 Hinckley went back onto court fighting. Due to the great work and commitment by the team Hinckley still managed good passage of play all through the court. By the end of the second quarter the score stood at 24-9. In the third Hinckley continued to fight with outstanding effort from the defence, reducing the amount of goals scored by Synergy as the quarter ended 39 – 12. Hinckley continued their fighting spirit in the final quarter with some great interceptions and the outstanding work of the two defenders kept the pressure on synergy and forced mistakes. The final score was 51-17 with the well deserved player of the match award going to GD Verity Skelton, though there was great team spirit and effort shown by the whole team throughout.