Hornettes
Hinckley Hornettes returned to good form this week and achieved a well deserved win against Highway 30-26. Hinckley demonstrated great versatility and flexibility throughout the match with players playing several positions, including usual GD Katie Foster showing off attacking skills as GA, C Helen Vause becoming a challenging defence as GK and Sarah Ward initially at GK changing to WA. Although Hinckley ended the first quarter one goal down, the team rallied together and came back strong in the second going ahead by four goals and maintaining their lead until the end. Despite Highway’s highly accurate shooting, Hinckley’s imposing defence limited their opportunities with GD Anna Ball earning player of the match for her energetic interceptions and support through the centre third to turn the flow of play to attack for Hinckley. The shooters managed to convert these opportunities into much needed goals in a challenging match.
A Team
Hinckley A were away at Leamington B this week. The previous meet between the two teams saw Hinckley win by one goal, and as Leamington had already ensured promotion this season, Hinckley knew they would be a tough side to beat. The first quarter went goal for goal ensuring a first quarter draw. In the second quarter the Hinckley pushed on hard and great play by the whole team ensured Hinckley a half time lead of 23–19. A team change in the Hinckley side and great play into the Leamington Shooter who was able to convert all her opportunities allowed Leamington to claw back the difference and take the lead by 6 goals at the end of the third quarter. Hinckley settled back down into great play and managing to turn over Leamington possession but despite winning the final quarter, Hinckley were unable to make up Leamington’s lead, losing 45-40, a hard fought 2 points for the Hinckley side. Player of the Match Ashleigh Oakes
B Team
Hinckley B team met Coventry & North Warwickshire C team at home this week in what was a must win game in order to secure their place in division 5 for another season. Hinckley took the lead from the start but nerves were evident. As the game settled Hinckley increased their lead by 8 goals a quarter in no small part due to the tireless defensive efforts of Laura Williams and Jo Oakes who secured many rebounds. Final score 44-14 with player of the match going to Emily Harrison for her many goals and command of the attacking D.
E Team
Hinckley E played at home against Griff & Coton who only had 6 players. Hinckley were slow to take advantage of having the extra player on court and the missing player seemed to cause Hinckley confusion, disrupting their play. Griff’s GS had some fantastic shots moving them ahead by 14 goals to Hinckley’s 10 in the first quarter.Hinckley picked up their game in the second, scoring 12 to Griff’s 8 equalising the score by half time. The game continued to be very close.Goal for goal in the last quarter it was difficult to know who would finally win and Hinckley’s GS Lucy Ibbetson scored a crucial goal in the last minute ensuring Hinckley the win 37-36. Hard fought by Griff but a good result for Hinckley who lost their previous encounter by 2. POM went to Annis Pears at GD who was her usual energetic self.