A Team
A depleted Hinckley A were home to LMR Rugby A this week having to draft in two C team players to make up a full side. Both teams started out strong, going goal for goal but Hinckley were just able to pull ahead managing a lead of 15-10 after the first 15 minutes. The Hinckley side maintaining control and possession pulled off an impressive second quarter of 16 goals to 5 ensuring a 31-16 lead at half time. After pushing so hard in the first half the Hinckley team started to tire but would not allow LMR to catch up the goal difference. As the final quarter started, an injury to the Hinckley side left them with just 6 players but fantastic defence, incredible energy from Centre Rebecca Oldfield, covering two positions, and continued goals from the shooters ensured a Hinckley win 51-41. Player of the match was Ashleigh Oakes.
B Team
Hinckley B had a tough match against Griff & Coton this week and lost out 24-49
with Goal Keeper Laura Williams awarded Player of the Match.
D Team
The D team had 2 matches this week. On Wednesday they faced Coventry Sphinx in a rearranged fixture. With the division 6 table extremely close at the top, Hinckley approached this game knowing they had to be top. Sphinx took Hinckley by surprise getting off to a very quick start, going 4-0 up, but Hinckley stayed composed and focused and by the end of the first quarter were drawing 6-6. In the second quarter things clicked for Hinckley and soon they were in control of the game. Smooth passes, slick dodges, well timed interceptions and pin point shooting all combined to give Hinckley the edge on their opponents. The game ended 41-15 to Hinckley. POM awarded to a well deserved and very hard working Sue Ley at Centre.
On Saturday with just one point between them at the top of the table, Hinckley D team were highly motivated to take on Offchurch, in their division 6 showdown. The game started evenly end to end, with pressure on all of the shooters to convert every chance. By the end of the first quarter, Hinckley had a small lead and were determined to continue with the positive momentum. Soon Hinckley were well in their stride and were chasing down everything. The defence worked solidly and Offchurch struggled to make chances as they began to tire and lost their confidence. It was now down to Hnckley’s GA Holly Hemsley and GS Lynda Sanders to seal the deal. Between them they hardly missed a shot, and if they did they ensured the rebound fell into their possession. By the end of the last quarter Hinckley were pumped with adrenaline and secured a very convincing win over Offchurch. 50-30. POM went to Holly Hemsley.
E Team
Hinckley E started off strong against a very young Ambleside team and were evenly matched in the first half but Ambleside had just edged away by 2 goals at half time 19-17. Hinckley switched GK and GD but the defensive format stayed strong with many interceptions. In the third quarter it was still very close with good passing down court and Hinckley got within one before Ambleside scored 3 consecutive goals. Changes in the final quarter were required when GK Annis Pears was injured which changed the defence. Hinckley were unsettled enabling Ambleside to move further ahead and win the game. Hinckley were unfortunate not to take a point from the game just missing a scoring opportunity in the last seconds. The final score 42–36, player of the match for the second week running was Bec Kenney for her strong play at WD.
F Team
A number of absences forced the F team to make some drastic changes to the usual line up for their match against Alvis C. Hinckley had good momentum in the first quarter, scoring the first few goals, however consistent shooting from Alvis opened their lead by the end of the second. Play was paused in the first quarter after GD Hattie Lockley had a nasty fall, but with no sub to replace her she soldiered on and continued to provide excellent defence. Hinckley worked well as a team, had good pace and control of the ball and were able to slow the Alvis attack in the second half of the game, but by then the gap was too great and the match ended 36-13 to Alvis. Player of the match was Ede Roche.
Hornettes
Hinckley Hornettes met Griff and Coton for the second time this season and were blessed with a rain free evening. Calm and well paced play took the ball down the court but Hinckley were unable to convert all of their opportunities and Griff’s shooting was consistent giving them an eleven goal difference by half time. Hinckley remained calm, continuing with a positive attitude. Hinckley began to make the most of their Goal Shooter’s height advantage and in the third quarter Hinckley were shooting with confidence, narrowing the gap to just 7 goals. Hinckley lost momentum during the final quarter and although they didn’t score many more goals Griff were able to maintain their seven goal lead. GD Katie Foster was relentless in her defence and intercepted pass after pass and was rewarded with POM alongside GK Anna Ball. Griff’s far more experienced team were always going to be a challenge for the Hornettes, but the quality of play this time round is testament to the improvements they’ve made so far this season. The match ended 14-21 to Griff.