A Team
Hinckley Ladies A team had a slow start in their first match of the season at home against Rugby’s LMR but eventually warmed up and went on to finish the first quarter 11-11. Persistent efforts into the circle by Rebecca Oldfield and Ashleigh Oakes didn’t always come off due to the tight LMR defence and the away team managed to gain a 16-24 lead by the end of the second quarter. Despite injury to the Hinckley WD, their shooters scored 8 goals in the third quarter as glimpses of good attacking play pulled off, taking the score to 24-33. Unfortunately LMR had a little more in the tank to pull away in the final period taking the match 28-45. Player of the match was WA Ashleigh Oakes.
B Team
Hinckley B started the new season campaign with a well fought draw with Synergy C. Hinckley started slowly, ending the first quarter 4 goals adrift, however a strong second quarter brought them right back into the game. The last quarter was very tense and Hinckley’s defence was exceptional in the last few minutes to secure the draw 33 all. Player of the match was awarded to goal shooter Denise Ibbetson.
C Team
The first game of the season saw Hinckley C at home against Alec High. The first half of the match showed the team holding their own, with a few frantic passes but a comfortable lead. In the second half Alec High came back strong, narrowing the margin, which caused Hinckley to step up their game and fight for every ball. Hinckley’s defence massively dominated the match with their resilience, despite the constant pressure from the opposition. The final score, Hinckley 24, Alec High 21, player of the match GA Emily Harrison.
D Team
Hinckley’s newly promoted D team were keen to get their season in Division 5 off to a great start playing away against Alvis B. With court conditions against them due to traditional netball weather they quickly adapted their game to maintain possession . Hinckley’s versatile Bethany Willars playing a fantastic GD alongside GK Emma Draycott worked well in the goal circle keeping the strong Alvis attackers from catching Hinckley’s early lead. Hinckley won the match 45-39 with POM going to Holly Hemsley at GA.
E Team
A nervous start for Hinckley E, who after the first 5 minutes found themselves 6-1 down against Godiva. Hinckley then settled their play, stuck together and made some good movement. With excellent communication between the GA and GS they managed to turn the score around and finished the first quarter 11–8 ahead. During the second Hinckley’s defence put tremendous pressure on Godiva’s shooters making it difficult for them to score and capitalised on the rebounds. Hinckley kept it together working as a team to keep their 3 goal lead, 17-14 at half time Consistent sharp passing ensured good possession and Hinckley’s shooters finished the last quarter with the same flourish as the first but this time breaking away with some great positioning and successful shooting. The whole team continued to improve throughout the game and finally won 37–29. Player of the match, Anita King at C & WA.
F Team
Hinckley F team’s game was abandoned due to excessive water on newly surfaced courts away at Alvis, making play dangerous during Saturday’s torrential rain. Disappointing for the new formation F team just getting into their stride ahead 12-11.
G and H Team
It was a great start to the Midweek League last Wednesday for Hinckley Ladies G and H teams. The newly formed H team kicked off against Leamington and it took them the first half to find their feet which allowed Leamington to gain a 15-2 advantage. However in the third quarter Hinckley were matching them all but one goal and continued play in the same vein in the final stage of the game to finish the match 22-7. POM was GD Steph Morton. The G team met Godiva and took a commanding 20-1 lead in the first half. They slowed up in the second half but went on to an impressive 30-6 win. It was a night of the springy Goal Defences with Katie Foster taking POM for Hinckley G.