TFC’s match in this week’s East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 1 was always going to be a battle against local rivals, Bluetits (28/10/12). TFC had a number of players unavailable for the game and were only able to field seven first team players, meaning that two of their second team players, Rachel Hoskisson and Laura Barnett, were called up.
Coach Kate’s starting line-up had Vicky Crosby at Goal Keeper (GK), Mel Croxall at Goal Defence (GD), Georgia Swan at Wing Defence (WD), Amy Brennan at Centre (C), Abi Wilcockson at Wing Attack (WA), Sara Bostock at Goal Attack (GA) and Leah Connolly at Goal Shooter (GS). Leicestershire’s Bluetits dominated the first ten minutes of the game and stormed into the lead. TFC struggled to respond and it looked as though their unbeaten start to season was in jeopardy. However, as they began to settle, they were able to raise their game and claw back a few goals through some tireless play and shooting from attacking players, Wilcockson, Brennan, Bostock and Connolly. TFC finished the first quarter trailing but they had demonstrated enough positive play towards the end of this period to take confidence going into the next quarter. The second quarter was hard-fought with both teams showing determination to win the game. TFC’s Crosby, Croxall and Swan applied increasing pressure on Bluetits’ attack, which forced the opposition to work incredibly hard to get the ball into the circle for their shooting opportunities. The quarter went practically goal-for-goal but by half time the scores were almost even. During the half-time interval, Coach Kate gave clear instructions about what was needed to win this game for both the defence and attack and an unchanged TFC team duly responded in the third quarter. Some exceptional shooting and attacking play saw Connolly finding the net from all over the circle, allowing TFC to finish this period seven goals ahead. The final quarter was a battle of wills and determination and came down to who wanted the win the most. TFC began on top but were unable to maintain this level throughout the game and Bluetits came back to force a draw. The final score was TFC 48 – 48 Bluetits. TFC remain undefeated and at the top of the East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 1 on points and goal average. Importantly, they are still on track for their quest to reach the National Play Offs again this year, which, if they won, would take them into England Netball’s Premier League Divisions. Although slightly disappointed to have only drawn this week, TFC will be looking to be victorious again in next week’s game against Lincoln City 1, where they will have their full squad back. Coach Kate decided that Leah Connolly and Abi Wilcockson deserved the ‘Player of the Match’ title for their tireless and clever play as well as for their outstanding shooting. Well done both of you! TFC would like to thank Coach Kate, Rose for scoring, Rob for time-keeping and all their supporters, as well as thanks to Rachel and Laura for coming down to play if needed. Comments are closed.
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April 2013
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