TFC WIN FIVE OUT OF FIVE

The pressure was on Loughborough’s TFC again this week in their East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 1 game against Leapoole (21/10/12). TFC were hoping to continue their winning streak and maintain their goal of reaching the National League play-offs for the fourth time.

TFC had an incredibly strong squad available for the game against Leapoole. Coach Kate Bond, who was unable to make the game, provided Captain Mel with the starting line-up. The game began with Vicky Crosby at Goal Keeper (GK), Mel Croxley at Goal Defence (GD), Jess Hartland at Wing Defence (WD), Georgie Kate at Centre (C), Kirsten Gibson at Wing Attack (WA), Abi Wilcockson at Goal Attack (GA) and Leah Connolly at Goal Shooter (GS).

TFC made a very positive start, with some inspiring shooting from Connolly and some solid defence from Crosby and Croxley. This enabled the team to pull ahead by 20 goals to 5 after the first 15 minutes.

The second quarter saw Leapoole respond. The opposition put pressure on TFC all the way down the court, however, TFC remained calm and collected and worked tirelessly to counter-attack. Hartland and Kate made some flying interceptions across centre court, whilst Gibson, Wilcockson and Connolly made some textbook attacking moves. TFC maintained their lead and won the second quarter by 14 goals to 5, opening up a fantastic 34-10 lead at half time.

The third quarter saw a number of changes in the TFC line up with some of the more experienced players making way for TFC's youngsters to thrive and gain experience playing netball at this high level. Georgia Swan replaced Mel Croxley at Goal Defence (GD) and Sara Bostock came on for Abi Wilcockson at Goal Attack (GA). Rachel Richardson also came on at Wing Defence (WD), meaning Jess Hartland switched to Centre (C) and Georgie Kate to Wing Attack (WA), replacing Kirsten Gibson, who had picked up an injury.

TFC worked hard to stamp their authority on the game during the third quarter and managed to increase their lead, winning the quarter 13-7 and taking a 47-17 advantage into the final quarter.

Leapoole applied an increasing amount of pressure in the fourth quarter and managed to win it by one goal. However, it was not enough to claw back the lead TFC had opened up during the match, meaning TFC made it five wins from five in this season’s Division 1.

The final score was TFC 58-28 Leapoole.

The whole TFC squad played an incredible game and therefore the ‘Player of the Match’ was hard to choose. In the end it was awarded to both Vicky Crosby for her domination in the defending circle and Leah Connelly for her incredibly accurate shooting. Well done ladies.




TFC would like to thank Barry for standing in at the last minute to run the table, John for time-keeping and all of our relentless supporters – the team could not have done it without you!! Thank you so much!!

TFC’s next game is on Sunday 28th October at 1.00pm in the Sir David Wallace Sports Centre, Loughborough University against local rivals, Bluetits.