The Going Gets Tough for Grasshoppers

Division 2
Grasshopper Netball Club’s second game in their 2012 Regional League Division 2 campaign ended in defeat against a strong Charnwood Sapphires side at Loughborough University (23/09/12). 

Charnwood were dominant from the off, converting from their very first centre pass. They proceeded to make it even more difficult for Grasshoppers by consistently moving the ball up the court at a fast pace and often converting their chances. Meanwhile, their very strong defence left few clear chances for Grasshoppers. Indeed, the quarter ended with Charnwood leading by 12 goals to 6.

The second quarter saw Grasshoppers get off to a better start as they applied more-telling pressure and made it difficult for Charnwood to get on the score sheet. However, despite their commendable effort, Charnwood went on to win the quarter with a 13-goal lead.

Grasshoppers were still not down and out in the third quarter, as they fought hard to level the score. This proved to be the most tightly contested quarter, thanks to some accurate shooting from Grasshoppers and an alert defence against a Charnwood Sapphires attack that at times looked likely they couldn't miss.

Charnwood Sapphires brought on fresh legs for the final quarter, which only made life more difficult for Grasshoppers, who were a little thin on the ground. It also meant that Grasshoppers rarely saw the ball in the final third of the court but when they did, they ensured that they capitalised on their chances.

Overall, Grasshoppers put in yet another strong team performance, highlighted by the fact that ‘Player of the Match’ was distributed amongst three of their players: Donna Osborn, Selina Jones and Rebecca Smith.