NOTTINGHAM KNIGHTS FIGHT BACK IN ROUND 2

This week saw the return fixture of Nottingham Knights against Sleaford Barge in the East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 2 (02/12/12). The game had all the signs of an enthralling counter and had been eagerly anticipated since Sleaford Barge’s victory by a solitary goal in their previous September clash.

The game started with both sides matching each other goal-for-goal. However, as the first quarter drew to a close, Nottingham Knights began to take control. Their strong defensive pressure and accurate shooting helped them take a 17-11 lead into the first break.

Knights came out 'all guns blazing' in the second quarter, turning over ball in Barges' attacking third and effortlessly working the ball down to their shooters. Despite tight defending from Barges' circle defenders, patience and accurate feeds allowed Knights’ shooters to convert. Time was called by Barge towards the end of the second quarter and resulted in a substitution. The break in play wasn't enough to unsettle Knights though and the second quarter ended with the team leading 31-21.

The third quarter score matched that of the first (17-11), which meant that Knights took a strong, 16-goal lead into the final fifteenminutes (48-32).

The fourth quarter was the closest of the game with Sleaford Barge working hard to close the gap. However it wasn't enough. Consistent play and precise shooting saw Nottingham Knights take the game 64-45.

All in all, four consistent quarters from Nottingham Knights resulted in an impressive score line, compared to the tight first fixture.

Sleaford Barge voted Nottingham Knights’ Fiona Hale (Goal Attack, GA) as their Player of the Match.

Nottingham Knights team: Katy Mee (Goal Keeper, GK); Justine Drury (Goal Defence, GD); Samantha Carter (Wing Defence, WD); Daniella Gatt (Centre, C); Sophie Reed (Wing Attack, WA); Fiona Hale (Goal Attack, GA); Sophie Artley (Goal Shooter, GS).