Team Bath 34 – 51 Hertfordshire Mavericks
Friday 13th February was Hertfordshire Mavericks third game of the NSL league within 6 days. With a win and a loss under their belts anything could happen in Bath.
After analysing the defeat in Manchester, Hertfordshire Mavericks were focused and ready to show its squad strength in all areas of the court, to make an unlucky Friday 13th for Bath.
Mavericks starting 7: GS Louisa Watson GA Kadeen Corbin WA Sasha Corbin C Sophia Candappa WD Sam May GD Lindsay Keable GK Naida Hutchinson
After the team huddle, Bath took the first centre pass of the evening straight to goal. Mavericks immediately responded with the same. Within minutes Mavericks were on a run, a few little errors but demonstrating full excellent court defence. A time out from Bath meant that Mavericks could re-group. Staying focused for the reminder of the first quarter Mavericks finished strong leading 14-11.
Quarter 2 saw no changes to Mavericks starting seven line up. However the players came out with the same intensity, strength and power. Defence dominating the circle making continuous tips and intercepts and shooters converting the turnovers. Excellent team composure in this quarter saw Mavericks finish half time leading by 11.
Going into the 3rd quarter leading 28-17 Head Coach Sam Bird made some changes to her starting seven. GK Lindsay Keable GD Layla Guscoth WD Camilla Buchanan C Rose Morgan-Smith. Fresh legs on court gave Mavericks defence the opportunity to continue dominate. Once again the Corbin sisters showed speed and delivery with the ball into the Cirle. Whilst Louisa Watson was calm and consistent with her shooting. Another great quarter saw Mavericks pull the lead away to 39-27.
Changes to the final quarter saw Naida Hutchison return to the court at GK. During this final quarter, players continued to deliver some outstanding netball.
With Defence turning the ball, excellent transition by the mid-court down to our shooters who found the net each time. The game finished with Mavericks winning 51-34.
An excellent squad performance by all, with great leadership and control on court by Captain Sasha Corbin. Player of the match went to Naida Hutchinson who was on fire in the circle.
With one more fixture to be played in round 4, Mavericks move into 3rd in the league behind Manchester Thunder and Surrey Storm. The remaining fixture is: Team Northumbria v Loughborough Lightning which will be played Monday 16 February at 19.45.
Report from Emily Drackford, Hertfordshire Mavericks website and photo by Lee Crabbe @Scrumpix .
