Falcons Yellow Come Out on Top in Regional League Division 2 Battle

This week’s East Midlands Netball Regional League, Division 2 game (07/10/12) saw Falcons Yellow retain the circle defence of Samantha Brown and Tamsin Mason, with Melanie Brennan stepping in at Wing Defence. Upfront saw a new attacking line up of Keri Moorhouse (Goal Shooter), Nina Warren (Goal Attack), Jo Holt (Wing Attack) and Laura Owen (Centre), with Liz Stevenson starting on the bench.

It was easy to see from the first whistle that this would be a tough match for Falcons Yellow. Grasshopper Netball Club did not give an inch during the first quarter and so Falcons Yellow had to work hard and keep their nerve to stay in touching distance of a well-drilled and organised Grasshopper team. By the end of the first quarter, Falcons Yellow trailed by just eight goals to eleven (8-11).

Falcons Yellow brought on a new Goal Keeper in Liz Stevenson and moved Tamsin Mason out to Wing Defence. The team pressed Grasshopper more during the second quarter, determined to turnaround the deficit. Falcons Yellow’s shooting duo of Moorhouse and Warren also shot more consistently, meaning Falcons Yellow went into the half time break with their noses in front 23-20, having won the quarter 15 – 8.

The game was by no means over though. Falcons Yellow had to maintain their concentration and discipline throughout the third quarter, as Grasshopper continued to snap at their heels. However, Falcons Yellow’s great attacking play and the fantastic shooting of Moorhouse and Warren meant that they increased their lead by five goals. The score at the end of the third quarter was 34-29.

Falcons Yellow made one change for the final quarter. Melanie Brennan replaced Laura Owen who once again had had a fine game and demonstrated her flair and tenacity as a netball player.

Most pleasing for the Falcons Yellow team in the final quarter was how strongly the team finished the game. Fresh legs in the middle of the court alongside some superb defending, accurate shooting and general attacking play meant Falcons Yellow ended the game as they had started.

Falcons Yellow increased their lead in this quarter and Grasshopper could not close the gap. Falcons Yellow eventually won the game 49-36 but this was by no means an easy win.

Even after an absence of two years for both players, Stevenson’s and Moorhouse’s performances meant that they were in contention for ‘Player of the Match.’ However, in the end this accolade went to Moorhouse for her all-round play and shooting accuracy under immense pressure from a strong Grasshopper defence.

Kerri Moorhouse (GS), Nina Warren (GA), Jo Holt (WA), Laura Owen (C), Melanie Brennan (WD/C), Samantha Brown (GD), Tamsin Mason (GK/WD), Liz Stevenson (GK)