Division 2
Grasshopper’s opening game against Nottingham Knights proves to be an eye-opener
Grasshopper Netball Club’s opening match of the East Midlands Regional Division 2 League ended in defeat against last year’s winners Nottingham Knights. Grasshopper rightfully earned their place in the league, after coming third in the Regional Netball Tournament held in the summer. But this game was possibly the toughest of encounters at Loughborough University’s Netball centre with the final score being: Nottingham Knights 52-32 Grasshopper.
Grasshopper got off to a promising start, converting from each of their Centre passes. However, the latter part of the quarter saw them struggle, as they frequently lost possession under pressure from the opposition who pulled away with a 9-goal lead.
The second quarter saw Grasshopper players apply more pressure, as they fought hard to prevent the league winners from converting their first centre pass. Some perfectly timed interceptions took place but despite their efforts, exceptional space awareness from Nottingham Knight’s attacking players saw them win the quarter 29-16.
Nottingham Knights continued to dominate in the third quarter with Grasshoppers trailing 40-21 at the end of the quarter. However, the final quarter was the most tightly contested, as Grasshoppers fought hard to close the gap on the leaders. Indeed, this proved to be Grasshopper’s highest scoring quarter.
Rising young talent, Beth Smith, won Player of the Match, after an impressive display as Goal Shooter. Smith’s accurate and consistent shooting played a major role in ensuring that Grasshoppers stayed in contention throughout the game.
Despite the loss, Grasshopper team captain Donna Osborn spoke highly of the team’s performance. She said, “It was a fantastic team effort from players both on and off the court. There was an abundance of positive play that we will take back to training to work on and improve”.
Grasshopper Netball Club has the Silver CAPS award and for further details, please visit: http://www.grasshoppernetballclub.co.uk
Grasshopper’s opening game against Nottingham Knights proves to be an eye-opener
Grasshopper Netball Club’s opening match of the East Midlands Regional Division 2 League ended in defeat against last year’s winners Nottingham Knights. Grasshopper rightfully earned their place in the league, after coming third in the Regional Netball Tournament held in the summer. But this game was possibly the toughest of encounters at Loughborough University’s Netball centre with the final score being: Nottingham Knights 52-32 Grasshopper.
Grasshopper got off to a promising start, converting from each of their Centre passes. However, the latter part of the quarter saw them struggle, as they frequently lost possession under pressure from the opposition who pulled away with a 9-goal lead.
The second quarter saw Grasshopper players apply more pressure, as they fought hard to prevent the league winners from converting their first centre pass. Some perfectly timed interceptions took place but despite their efforts, exceptional space awareness from Nottingham Knight’s attacking players saw them win the quarter 29-16.
Nottingham Knights continued to dominate in the third quarter with Grasshoppers trailing 40-21 at the end of the quarter. However, the final quarter was the most tightly contested, as Grasshoppers fought hard to close the gap on the leaders. Indeed, this proved to be Grasshopper’s highest scoring quarter.
Rising young talent, Beth Smith, won Player of the Match, after an impressive display as Goal Shooter. Smith’s accurate and consistent shooting played a major role in ensuring that Grasshoppers stayed in contention throughout the game.
Despite the loss, Grasshopper team captain Donna Osborn spoke highly of the team’s performance. She said, “It was a fantastic team effort from players both on and off the court. There was an abundance of positive play that we will take back to training to work on and improve”.
Grasshopper Netball Club has the Silver CAPS award and for further details, please visit: http://www.grasshoppernetballclub.co.uk
 Grasshoppers fighting hard. |  Players in a team. |
