Match Reports

Sat 5^thNovember 2011 - LeamingtonA v Bulkington A

This home fixture saw Leamington A take on a strong and physical Bulkington team who moved quickly in to the lead. Excellent shooting from Frankie supported by Julie in the circle kept Leamington within reach but they were chasing the game and had a difficult first quarter with continuous unforced errors and lack of movement through centre court which lead to Bulkington finishing the quarter leading by 5 goals 7-12.

Swift decisions at quarter time saw Lesley move to WA and Vicki Smith take up the centre position. The team adjusted well to the changes and despite some initial unsteady stalking from Lesley, the attack settled down with Lesley and Vicki working together to move the ball swiftly to the circle edge and ensure safe feeds into Frankie.

Again, a hard fought quarter with Kate and Lucy closing down the options in the Bulkington circle against a static tall GS supported by Mandy working continuously to hamper the feeding of the nippy and accurate WA. Leamington won the quarter by 10 goals to 9 but consistently accurate shooting from the Bulkington GA maintained their overall lead. 17-21

Again prompt decisions were made at half time with Hannah taking up the GK position to add further height and experience in the circle. The umpires spoke to both captains at this point regarding the competitive nature of play and requested that players "calmed down" during the second half, however, this message did not appear to have been relayed to the Bulkington WD who continued to cause contact and deliver body blows at every opportunity but to no avail as Lesley continued with the task in hand undeterred.

Once again Lucy showed her excellent interception skills and backed up on centre passes to support the attack giving her player of the match. This was Leamingtons strongest quarter with Frankie maintaining her excellent shooting average despite being enveloped by the Bulkington GK for most of the match and Julie using her experience to create great space to feed the circle. Leamington won the quarter 11-8 but Bulkington were still able to retain their lead overall again by the excellent shooting from their GA. 28-29.

No further team changes for the final quarter which presented a nail biting finish down to the wire. Excellent defending from Mandy, Lucy, Hannah and Vicki kept Bulkingtons goals to a minimum plus the fantastic vocal support from everyone on the side, including the players who had come off, was invaluable in helping to keep the team fighting.

It went goal for goal with a score of 8 all which disappointingly wasn't enough to overturn the Bulkington lead which they had held throughout the match. Final score: 36-37

A huge thank you to Jan who coached us on Tuesday night and during the game on Saturday, her input was tremendous and all feedback and team changes were taken in best of spirits and acknowledged as being in the best interests of the team. A difficult game for Emma who is new to both the WA position and the premier division but she is battling her way through the experience as is Kate with her first season at this level. Thank you both for your input, team spirit and support.

15 October - Leamington A Vs Copeswood A

Saturday 15 October saw Leamington A play rivals Copeswood A, Leamington were again short of players through injuries and work commitments and used some much needed help from the 'National squad' in the shape of Sally Semple and Paula Williams. The match was even in the 1st quarter with some very sharp shooting from both teams, Copeswoods shooter hardly missed but was no match for Leamingtons shooter Frankie Ricketts who completed a terrific 100% shooting average but due to some courtplay errors the 1st quarter saw Leamington behind by 2 goals. (11-9)
 
The 2nd quarter saw Leamington struggle to get into the game and consequently made even more costly courtplay errors which gave Copeswood a 9 goal lead, (23-14) .
 
Leamington decided to make a few changes to the centre court for the 3rd quarter, this saw Sally Semple move from C to WD and Lesley Hill move to WD, this move proved a success and after some strong defending the ball moved swiftly through the court and with some superb feeding into the GS Leamington won the 3rd quarter by 1 goal - there was still alot of work to do to regain the lead. (30-22).
 
The 4th quarter saw another tactical centre court change, Lesley now went to WA and Emma Baldwin went to WD. Paula Williams together with Lucy Graham were formidable in the circle making Copeswood work very hard for posession and together with Emma - who had now turned into a fighting terrier!!! started to breakdown Copeswoods attacking game. The ball moved through the court from Sally to Lesley who fed the ball to GA Julie Kennedy and GS Frankie who was still converting nearly all of her shots and once again won the quarter - but unfortunately this wasnt enough and Copeswood won the match 40-33. Man of the Match Lucy Graham

9 October 2011 - Leamington A v Bulkington B

Just one week into the netball league and Leamington A found themselves short of players. Mandy Woodley injured herself in training and Emma had a prior engagement.
However Clair Agar from B  and Jen Cross and Sarah Steel stepped in to the mix.

Leamington A got off to a flying start with Lesley Hill (c), Jenny Cross out of position at WA and Julie Kennedy (GA) combining well to feed shooter Frankie Rickells who rarely missed. At the end of the fist quarter Leamington were winning 12 - 6.

Bulkington came out all guns blazing andf interrupted Leamingtons free flowing game. Leamingtons defence trio Kate O'Connel and Lucy Graham and Clair Agar worked tirelessly getting interception after interception but unfortunately leamington could not convert and drew this quarter 9-9.

Sarah Steel came on again out of position at WA and fed some lovely balls into the shooting circle in the third quarter. Again both teams made mistakes and had to work hard .Bulkington also changed their shooters around as they had struggled against Leamingtons defence and Kate O'Connells fantastic lean. Leamington winning the quarter 9 - 7.

The fourth quarter started well until Clair Agar injured her ankle. Sarah Steel replaced her at WD. Although Leamington had a good lead they found it hard to settle and  panic set in. Lucy Graham got endless amounts of tips and Leamington regained composure and won the final quarter 8 - 7 the final score was 38 - 29.

Frankie Rickells was voted player of the game, she was accurate and against a tall GK. 

Special thanks goes to Mandy Woodley who came along and became our coach and statitician for the game.

Also thanks to Clair, Jenny and Sarah for playing up. It is very much appreciated. Thanks to Sarahs mum and boyfriend for their support too !!!!