Hinckley A had two games this week, the first midweek facing Jets in heavy rain. Their engines were ready after a two week break. An energetic and quick start to the game suited Hinckley’s style of play and gave them a secure 10-5 lead at the end of the first quarter. Despite a WD change for Hinckley and the opposition scoring three consecutive goals, Hinckley’s centre court players weren’t phased and made numerous impressive interceptions, getting the ball quickly back to the Shooters and managing to stay ahead 20-14 as they went into the third quarter. This was a difficult period with slippery courts and tough conditions, but the dynamic shooting duo continuously managed to score increasing the gap to 32–24 by the end of the quarter. With a final push despite the weather, Hinckley continued a high standard of play finishing the match 43-32. POM was Wing Attack Ashleigh Oakes.
On Saturday the A’s took to the court again the most nervous but determined so far this season to continue their winning streak versus Coventry North Warwick. The attack gained a solid start with some well timed and precise game play to lead 15-6. The defensive duo showed some excellent energetic pressure to keep C&NW at bay, 28-13 at half time. Hinckley started the third quarter with more fire in their bellies to push their lead on and the shooting partnership did not fail to deliver. Coming down court from defence to attack there was some fantastic play by the centre court players to ensure the game was put to bed. Hinckley had full control of the game in the last quarter, taking their time, keeping possession and delivering the ball to the Player of the Match Carole Payne to tot up the goals to finish the match winners 61-24.
It was a tough game for Hinckley B team this week, facing Henley at home. Henley managed to pull away in the first quarter 11-6, which left Hinckley always playing catch up. Hinckley never stopped fighting and held their heads high, with great centre court play and amazing defence from Nicola Coulson and player of the match Jess Pickering. The game finished 52-27 to Henley.
Hinckley C faced Synergy C at home this week, fighting as hard as ever. The Attack worked well together to gain the upper hand and Hinckley’s defence put incredible pressure on the opposition, utilising every forced error to get the ball back to the attacking side throughout. The final score a 42-26 victory for Hinckley, player of the match was Goal Attack, Emily Harrison.
Hinckley D team were facing the competetive Offchurch on a blustery Saturday morning . From the offset Hinckley capitalised on turnovers and took the first quarter with a slight lead. Changes in the Offchurch team affected Hinckley’s play in the second quarter which saw the opposition settling into a steady rhythm and coming back into the game. Poor passes from Hinckley enabled Offchurch’s defence to intercept and drive down the court with accuracy enabling them to take advantage and open up a lead. Hinckley’s defence stood firm and fought tirelessly against a strong attack .For the last quarter Hinckley threw everything they had at Offchurch and changed game play by driving out of the goal circle and incorporating short,sharp passes and accurate shooting to take the win 28 -26.POM went to Bethany Willars
Hinckley E played Jaguar Land Rover at home. During the first quarter play was evenly matched with both teams scoring goal for goal but JLR just went ahead by 1 goal at the end of the period.
In the second Hinckley took more control and settled into their game, going ahead and at half time the score was 24-21 in their favour. Despite JLR’s slick movement in and around the goal circle Hinckley’s GK had some great interceptions. With some consistent shooting from GS Anna Poulson who was holding her own against a particularly tough GK, Hinckley stormed this quarter and moving ahead by 7 goals. During the last quarter Hinckley remained tight in both attack and defence, their team effort and spirit abundant. Player of the match, Ede Roche at WD intercepted many mid court balls and had a fantastic game. It was a well deserved 47-35 win for Hinckley.
Hinckley G team produced another win against Queens Diamonds this week finishing 23-16. It was a tough and scrappy match, made less enjoyable by torrential rain and the resulting slips, trips, and unforced errors. This penultimate match of the season was somewhat of a let down but the G team will rally round for their final match in a fortnight. Due to the poor conditions, Queens Diamonds departed the courts before awarding a player of the match, but Hinckley’s Captain felt that Verity Skelton did a sterling job at GD with great defensive play and support up the centre court.