Below-par Calderdale suffer second defeat
A rusty Calderdale firsts handed Bradford Premier a 37-34 win on Saturday with unforced errors in the face of a heavy handed defence. With a cancelled game and gaps in the fixture list, this was Calderdale’s first game for four weeks in the West Yorkshire Super League.
Bradford shot into a three goal lead, but Calderdale were undeterred and they won turn overs to take a one goal lead after the first quarter.
Calderdale switched Sophia Boothroyd from goal defence to goal attack and Pia Rattigan came on at wing defence, enabling them to extend their advantage.
Bradford started to pull it back. Boothroyd and Megan Kennedy were taking a beating in the shooting circle, but battled through with some great feeds from Carolyne Baldwin and player of the match Jess Brearley.
The third quarter saw more changes. Kim Walters, on at wing defence, got some great interceptions but it was not enough to stop Bradford charging ahead.
Calderdale made errors under pressure so coach Phil Greenough switched Boothroyd to goal shooter for the final quarter and Walters came back to her usual position of goal attack.
The Bradford lead was reduced but Calderdale were left to reflect on a below-par show, particularly in attack.
They slipped to fourth on the back of a second defeat of the season. They play Wakefield Wildcats this weekend.
Calderdale seconds made it six wins out of seven in Division One with a 37-27 win over Fusion firsts.
Exceptional shooting from Laura Kennedy and Gail Gledhill gave them a 10 goal lead by the end of the first quarter.
The defence disrupted Fusion’s attack with wing defence and player of the match Saleha Cooke particularly determined.
The team worked hard to maintain their lead to the end.
The seconds face Fusion second team tomorrow.
Calderdale thirds came out on top 38-23 in the derby against Yorkshire Brodleains seconds in Division Three.
Calderdale started well with defensive duo Kate Manley and Jasmin Douglas giving the Brods attack a run for their money. They got their hands on the ball on many occasions to enable the new combination of Jo Hall and Lucianne Hinch to work the ball down court.
It was neck and neck until the second quarter when Calderdale settled and opened up a 22-14 half time lead.
Brods made changes and pulled it back a little but the experienced Pauline Williamson and newcomer Gemma Moloney rarely missed a shot.
Greenhough teamed up Louise Berry and captain Kay Hollingworth in defence. He also moved Jess Moloney to goal defence and her many interceptions earned her the player of the match award.