Grasshopper Netball Club sported its new netball kit on Sunday, but this was not enough to secure them a win an ‘away win’ against a very slick, strong Sleaford Barge side.

Sleaford began the game in top form, romping to a 10-goal lead at the end of the first quarter (20-10). The Lincolnshire team then capitalised on their good start in the second quarter, as Grasshoppers were still trying to find their feet. By half time, the score had reached 38-16 in Sleaford’s favour.

Coach Anne Melling made several changes for the third quarter, bringing on Kate Garner at GK and Sarah Melling at WD, with Laura Harbour moving from that position to C (Selina Jones and Tracy Glover making way). This was a better contested quarter, with Grasshopper just losing it by 2 goals, 12-10.

However, in spite of rallying and keeping the team the same for the final quarter, Grasshopper could not compete and lost it 16-6, leaving an overall final score of Sleaford Barge 66-32 Grasshopper NC.

The score line meant that Grasshoppers just missed out on securing ‘half score’ but despite the defeat, Grasshopper players never gave up and gave their all for the entire game.

On Sunday 24th November the most anticipated netball match of the year so far commenced. With both teams undefeated, it was set to be a good match as Lincoln City took on newly-formed Southgate of Derbyshire.

The starting line-up was similar to the team who defeated Northants JM’s, with the exception of Lucy Heathershaw who was reinstated as GD. Lizzie Saywell made a fantastic interception as GK and Amy Womersley was strong at receiving centre passes. Lincoln pushed hard in the first quarter with Becky Baker’s exceptional shooting, but Southgate were too strong as they took a nine-goal lead, leaving Lincoln trailing 11-20 after the first quarter.

This week saw a clash of league leaders, with both Southgate and Lincoln City tied on 25 points. The spirit of the game was evident from the first whistle with high levels of physicality and competitiveness for the ball but it was Southgate who settled first with swift shooting from Nina Warren and Olivia Mason. The quality of play was maintained throughout by both sides and impressive shooting could be seen at either end of the court. Southgate managed to pull away in the second quarter though through interceptions from debutant Leanne Clayton at Goal Defence who demonstrated a high work rate when bringing the ball through court in attack. Changes were made in Quarter Three, Sarah Guy taking to the court in at WD. The game finished with a close fourth quarter – the ball exchanging hands and both teams working hard to the last whistle. Final score 69 - 41 in Southgate’s favour.

Jackie Milsom, making her regional debut for Southgate, proved vital in defence at Goal Keeper and was therefore deservedly nominated ‘Player of the match’ by Lincoln City.

Starting 7: Olivia Mason (GS) Nina Warren (GA) Emma Warren (WA) Olivia Murphy (C) Louise Shaw (WD) Leanne Clayton (GD) Jackie Milsom (GK / player of the match)

Shooting Stats

• Nina Warren 35/43 - 81%
  
• Olivia Mason 34/43 - 79%
  

After a two week break Falcons Yellow took to the court in a midday battle against Bluetits.

The starting line up was Beth Jackson (GS), Keri Moorhouse (GA), Jo Holt (WA), Mel Brennan (C), Tamsin Mason (WD), Samantha Brown (GD), Liz Stevenson (GK), Rebecca Simms (Sub).

Both teams were perhaps without key players today and the match could have gone either way. Falcons Yellow had a depleted squad due to illness and non-availability, but they were determined to go all out for a win nonetheless.

Nottingham Knights played their latest East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 1 game on 10th November 2013 against Nottingham rivals, Leapoole. Nottingham Knights had a change in their defence from their last outing, with Carter dropping back into the defensive circle, joining Aiken at GK, Thompson starting at WD and Corlett pairing up at GA and Hale in the attacking circle. Gatt and Cresswell completed the line up at C and WA, respectively.

Leicestershire’s Grasshopper fielded a strong team for their match against county rivals, TFC Too, and some good, commanding play during the first quarter, saw them lead 6-12 at the end of this quarter.

Their strong display continued into the second quarter, but TFC Too continued to fight back and brought the score to 16-27 to Grasshoppers by half time.

Beth Smith replaced Andy Flewitt as GS and her height in the attacking circle, coupled with some very impressive defensive play by GK Tracy Glover, GD Megan Palmer and WD Laura Harbour, helped Grasshopper NC to pull away and win the third quarter by 5-12, leaving an overall score of 21-39.

Finally, a ‘man of the match’ performance in attack, by GA Donna Osborn as well as help in defence by WD Laura Harbour, helped Grasshoppers to an emphatic victory over TFC Too, by 27 goals to 52

Final score: TFC Too 27 – 52 Grasshopper NC

However, TFC Too also played some good netball and continued to show great spirit to gain themselves a point for achieving over half of Grasshopper’s final score.

Lincoln City won their fifth consecutive match against Northants JMs on Sunday 10th November in the East Midlands Netball’s Regional League Division 2. The Imps began with the same starting seven that previously beat Grasshoppers.

Coach Karen Baker introduced a new style of defending which increased the number of interceptions made by the majority of Imps’ players throughout the court. The attack was also able to turn over possession and made it look effortless with excellent feeds from Abby Johnson and Beth Richardson to Becky Baker and Amy Womersley who extended the lead. Lincoln stormed ahead to take a 22-7 lead after the first quarter.