Hinckley netball round up of matches
Late catch gives Doug Dimbleby win in tough conditions
SUNDAY saw Shackerstone AC stage an Open match on the Hags Lane section of the Ashby Canal where once again competitors found life very hard with the water levels increased and still highly coloured.
This match turned out to be one of very small margins and where a single fish made so much difference. Once again in successive weeks the Golden Peg was won, this time in extraordinary circumstances. This weeks winner on peg 5 was Doug Dimbleby who fed his usual bread to the far shelf with no success at all. He then tried worm down the track for an elusive perch or two and managed just a small one around the 2ozs mark.
As the match wore on and with only a few minutes to go in desperation he tried another worm down the track.
His float buried and after a careful the scrap he netted a much larger perch to give him victory with a level 1lb. Second place went to a very unlucky Geoff Taylor on peg 2 who similarly couldn’t catch on bread or pinkie so resorted to worm down the track.
His one and only bite after an hour or so saw him net a nice perch as thereafter he sat, pondered and probably wished for the whistle to go as soon as possible.
At the scales his one fish weighed 12ozs. Third place went to Phil Hicks on peg 9 who did manage to get the bread approach to work and found small roach willing to feed on the far shelf. He actually caught more fish than all the rest put together but could still only finish with just 7ozs.
Sunday sees Shackerstone AC stage an Open match, draw 7.45am at the Rising Sun.
HINCKLEY A played C&NW who currently sit top of Division 1. This week’s game saw the second half of the season begin with Hinckley playing away at C&NW sports club.
The weather may have been cold and wet but that didn’t dampen Hinckley’s spirits and they started the game positive with Bex Oldfield returning from injury playing at Centre and won the first quarter 11-9. C&NW made some changes in their defence at quarter time which saw them go ahead by a number of goals but Hinckley remained positive and didn’t give up their battle. The score remained close throughout, C&NW having the advantage by bringing on subs and having fresh legs at the start of each quarter. Hinckley played well in their first game of 2020 and lost by only 2 goals, the final score being 40-38. This weeks Player of the match, voted by the opposition, was Bex Oldfield.
Hinckley C played Alec High in horribly windy conditions. The first quarter saw strong play from Hinckley, gaining an 8-5 lead over Alec High. During the second quarter, both teams played well and at half time Hinckley were one goal ahead.
Due to changes made at half time, Alec High were able to pull away and finished the third quarter in the lead, 22-15. Hinckley made some changes for the final quarter, hoping to close the gap. However, Alec High were able to push forward and win the match 29-18. Player of the match went to Sue Ley at centre.
A tough game to start off the new year, Hinckley D knew that they had lots to work on against Harbury C following a bad defeat on the first game of the season.
Hinckley started off slowly and took a while to get into their rhythm. Harbury’s shooter was positioning herself very well from the start and missing nothing making it extremely difficult for the GK’s to stop her scoring.
Each quarter ended with Harbury ahead by a few goals. Despite numerous airborne interceptions from Dasia and Fliss both having energetic games, and Hinckley’s defence getting several tips, they could not do enough to close the gap. The wind certainly made an impact on the game, Hinckley’s shooters were getting very frustrated as it seemed to pick up every time they went for a shot. Hinckley players needed reminding to come forward to meet the ball, a continuing observation that needs working on for future games to ensure that Hinckley can make the most of every opportunity.
The last quarter was hard fought, Hinckley moved players around again and drew this quarter 9 all. Team spirit was high and Hinckley were overall pleased with their performance this time, despite finally losing 31-40. Player of the match was Fliss Dixon.
A windy Saturday morning saw the E team face Bedworth B. A well contended first quarter meant that Hinckley took the lead with some intelligent play from both teams. As the wind picked up, the second quarter saw a reluctance to over sprint for balls meaning play was slowed down and passes became more direct. Overhead balls were beginning to become a challenge due to the strong winds but despite this Hinckley continued fighting for ball and managed to win the third quarter thanks to some excellent shooting and passing between players. Hinckley had a tough fourth quarter and Bedworth picked up their game play, allowing Bedworth to win the last quarter. At final time, Hinckley managed to win 47-31 but it was a very close game and a good fight from both teams, however there are improvements to take from the game including the increased communication between players. POM Imogen Banton (GS)