Mixed fortunes for Hinckley netball sides
HINCKLEY A had a rearranged fixture the Saturday before last against a strong Cov Sphinx side. Storm Eunice had calmed down a bit compared to Friday, with little wind blowing but the rain soon started to fall. Hinckley took the lead for the first quarter by a narrow three goals, but Sphinx upped their game in the second and brought the score back to a draw by half time.
The rain really started to come down in the second half, leaving all players, officials and the hardcore spectators soaked and cold. After a couple of turnovers, Sphinx took the lead after the third quarter by only three goals. Despite the weather, Hinckley continued to play their game and managed to bring the score back to finish on a draw 38-38.
Player of the match went to the everdependable GK Chloe Holman, for her countless interceptions and excellent defensive pressure which she maintained throughout the game despite the awful conditions.
Hinckley B team took to court this week missing quite a few of their team and relying on the C team bringing in support for their away game against Copsewood.
Last time they met Hinckley took away a win and this was the plan again. The first quarter was very slow to start as players adjusted to new partnerships on court. After a quick pep talk the team knew what they had to do and settled in to take a small gain.
Changes made by the captain at half time were inevitable to secure a comfortable lead. Katie Phillips took up the centre position and with her dynamic drives and feeds linked up nicely with Nic Wallace in WA. Between them they worked the goal circle edge well creating accurate feeds into shooters Lucy Marsden and Millie Davies. At the end of the third quarter Hinckley had gained the advantage but the last quarter was to prove even more fruitful. Lucy Chapman linked in with ease alongside Bethany Willars in the defence circle. Caron Ogden had moved from Centre to Wing Defence to create a solid foundation in the defence. With turnover after turnover and pinpoint shooting Hinckley B team raced away to secure a 41-25 win. Player of the match went to Millie Davies.
Hinckley C played Stockton away. Stockton started off strongly in the first quarter maintaining possession, with Hinckley struggling to overturn the ball. In the second quarter Hinckley made player changes which supported Hinckley gaining more possession.
By the end of the second quarter Hinckley goals matched Stockton’s giving the team confidence. The third quarter continued with more drive and attack in the Hinckley team, winning the quarter by four goals. Stockton fought back in the last quarter and ended up winning 30-23. Player of the match went to Annis Pears as Wing Defence, with her excellent tight marking, interceptions and steady play.
Hinckley D had a bit of a mix-andmatch team against Ernesford F this week, with 3 subs - Helen Jaggers and Beth Dexter from E team and Rebecca Smith from F. They all showed tremendous commitment and energy despite a tough opposition. Helen Jaggers was even rewarded with player of the match for her fantastic interceptions and rebounds.
The rest of the D team struggled to convert any turnovers into goals from very tight defence from Ernesford at both ends of the court. Despite this, Hinckley D kept the score difference low, even winning the third quarter but they slipped to a 22-15 defeat.
The E team’s match on Saturday was against Stockton. Despite a 29-18 ldefeat it was a massively improved match since the last time they played them. Hinckley were able to rattle Stockton with some fabulous interceptions in defence.
Attack worked well in the goal third with great communication and Emma Brookes was a huge support at WD. A well deserved POM went to Beth Dexter, who had amazing control of the game all the way down the court.
Hinckley F fielded the basic 7 this week against Bedworth A. They were without their regular defence but with some flexibility and team-work they took the lead early and maintained it throughout. Suzanne Barney stepped in as GK and worked well with Becky Hamilton, minimising Bedworth’s experienced shooters.
Centre court play was fluid and feeding into the circle was consistent throughout. The shooting was strong in all four quarters, with Eboni Clarke playing at GA and Anita King switching to shooter. It was an overall good performance from the F team and a long awaited but deserved 35-27 win, with Becky Hamilton awarded POM.