Hinckley Ladies Netball A team were away to top of the league, Harbury on Tuesday night. Hinckley knew from the off that this game would potentially put them in a good position for promotion. However, the first 5 goals went straight to Harbury as Hinckley hadn’t quite switched on but managed to pick up the pace to close the gap by 1. The second quarter for Hinckley saw difficulties in the shooting circle due to solid defence from Harbury who stretched their lead to 27-20. In the second half Hinckley’s shooting duo got their eye in, teamed with good down court play and great defensive work, the score was tied 39-39 at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter started with fire for both teams going for the win, every goal counted and turn overs were made. It wasn’t until the Hinckley GS Carole Payne landed awkwardly and had to go off injured with a fractured ankle that Harbury managed to apply the pressure and stretch their lead to win 52-49. POM was GD Kate Chamberlain.
On Saturday on the back of only three defeats this season, the A’s hosted Ambleside at home. Hinckleyneeded the win and the goals to go in their favour for promotion. With the mean goal shooting machine missing for Hinckley, Darcey Arrowsmith stepped up to the mark from the B team. With their turbo engines roaring Hinckley started quick and showed commitment to their game play moving ahead by a 4 goal margin. The second quarter showed pressure applied to both teams and mistakes were made.The drive from Hinckley kept them in the lead to end the quarter 17-8. Similarly, the physicality increased, Ambleside turned over a few loose balls and set plays, making the most of their opportunity to breach the tight Hinckley defence. However, Hinckley came back stronger and fought well.and kept the lead, 23-14. With persistence and some really good individual performances from the Hinckley shooters in the last half of the fourth quarter, Hinckley sealed a 32-21 win. POM again Kate Chamberlain.
Hinckley B fought hard in another mid-week match last week away against Ambleside F with several injuries changing the team line up. Ambleside took an early lead despite the excellent communication and interceptions of the Hinckley defensive duo Jessica Burke and Nicola Coulson with the first half ending 31-17. Hinckley remained consistent in their attack building their score steadily but it wasn’t enough to catch up and Ambleside pulled away in the final quarter to end the game Ambleside 60 Hinckley 32. Player of the match was Jess Rainbow.
Hinckley E played Griff at home and started off strongly. Passing down court from defence through centre court to the shooters was working well and Hinckley finished the first quarter leading 10–7. The second quarter Hinckley seemed quiet and Griff came within 3 goals at one stage but Hinckley’s defenders continued intercepting and gathering rebounds. Hinckley’s determination built as the game progressed extending their lead every quarter and at half time were ahead 21–15. Motivated and encouraged by a healthy crowd of supporters in the third quarter, Hinckley’s attack gelled further with some great movement and shooting in the circle . Hinckley went further ahead finishing the quarter 34–20. Ella Wilkinson at GK did a great job in the circle making it incredibly difficult for Griff’s experienced shooters and despite a few errors with passing, Hinckley’s attack continued to dominate and won the match 47–26. Player of match went to Liz Newman at WA.
The Hinckley G team finished off a strong season with a rematch against Stockton last week. The G team were nervous stepping onto the courts, as last time they faced Stockton it ended short with GA Tracey Pallett in A&E for a broken ankle! Hinckley G showed great teamwork throughout the match and pulled ahead consistently each quarter. Whilst having to adapt their game play against Stockton’s defensive tactics, the match ended at a solid win for Hinckley G 35-18 (without injuries) to place the G team second overall in the league table, disappointingly just 1 point behind first place. Player of the Match went to GA Tracey Pallett for her strong attacking play, adaptability to changing marking strategies, and most of all her impeccable shooting.