Lincoln City faced their toughest opposition on Sunday 2nd March as they took on league leaders Southgate. With a bare seven players, the Imps remained unchanged throughout as they fought to earn a half-score point against a team comprised of Netball Super League players and the former England Captain, Olivia Murphy.

Lincoln began the game in high spirits taking a surprising three-goal lead, thanks to superb shooting from Becky Baker and Anna Gilbert. Abby Johnson and Anna were also quick off the mark at centre passes and alongside Beth Richardson, fed excellent passes into Becky. Southgate however raised their game and took a 5 goal lead after the first fifteen minutes (15-20).

Grasshopper Netball Club faced Lincolnshire’s Barge and Bottle in the return game of the East Midlands Netball’s Regional League Division 2. Barge took the first centre pass and roared out of the blocks, playing some very dominating netball. Grasshoppers unfortunately stuttered a few times during the first period and were losing heavily 9 goals to 17 at the end of it.

At the break, Coach Anne Melling swapped Selina Jones and Laura Harbour over – from C to WA. The change helped Grasshoppers win both the second (10-9) and the third quarter (11-8). Unfortunately, Grasshoppers couldn’t keep their momentum in the final quarter. Barge’s Rosie James, who returned to the court as WA, inspired her team to a 9-17 fourth-quarter win.

The final score: Grasshoppers 39-52 Barge and Bottle.

It was a hard fought game – Barge’s shooters consistently used the split landing to good effect, whilst good up court linkage by Grasshopper’s centre court players enabled the attack of Donna Osborn and Beth Smith to capitalise.

Grasshoppers would like to thank Leicestershire-based nutrition brand “High5” for their support in keeping the team going.