Nottingham Knights squad: Fiona Hale (GS), Clair Corlett (GA), Katie Cresswell (WA), Daniella Gatt (C), Samantha Carter (WD), Justine Drury (GD), Zoie Aiken (GK), Beth Moore (Sub), Karen Cresswell (Coach).

Nottingham Knights had had a successful first half of the season which saw them hold third position in the league table. They were determined not to let fourth-placed Bluetits steal their spot but Bluetits had beaten Nottingham Knights during their first encounter earlier on in the season.

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.

Nottingham Knights starting line-up: Sophie Artley (GS), Fiona Hale (GA), Katie Cresswell (WA), Daniella Gatt (C), Samantha Carter (WD), Justine Drury (GD), Zoie Aiken (GK).

Nottingham Knights played Loughborough-based Charnwood Sapphires in their latest East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 1 game on 27th October 2013. Charnwood Sapphires, who were promoted in the Division 2 playoffs at the end of last season alongside the Knights, had lost to the Nottingham-based team in their last two league encounters and came out fighting with a strong defence and determined pace. However the Knights, who wanted to maintain their unbeaten record against the Sapphires, were able to finish the quarter two points ahead of Charnwood (12-10).

Falcons Yellow loses out to Hinckley Hurricanes in a fast paced, high scoring match.

Falcons Yellow came out of the blocks ready to played hard and earn themselves another win but Hinckley Hurricanes stood in their way and were determined to make them work for it.

The squad for today’s match – Alex Wood-Davis (GS), Keri Moorhouse (GA) Melanie Brennan (WA), Emma Davis (C), Tamsin Mason (WD) , Samantha Brown (GD) and Jo Holt (WA). Weller Howard and Connie Xavier were on the bench.

Having lost the opening two matches in the East Midlands Netball Regional League, Division 1, newly promoted Charnwood Sapphires faced top of the table Hinckley Hurricanes.

A tight first quarter saw Hinckley lead by one goal, 13 - 12, at the break.

Nottingham Knights won their latest East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 1 rescheduled fixture against Pennine on 16th October 2013. This convincing win was a confidence boost to the Knights after securing their place in the top division after winning the playoffs at the end of last season. Nottingham Knights took the lead early on and had an eight-goal lead at quarter time (12-4). Pennine strengthened in the second quarter, narrowed the gap and won the quarter 8-9, bringing the score to 20-13. The Knights responded to this in the second half with a solid defensive performance that debilitated Pennine’s attacking efforts and led to a consistent conversion of turnovers. This resulted in the Nottingham team winning the quarter 15-3 (35-16 overall) and winning the match 44-22, allowing Pennine to secure one point from the game. A promising start for Nottingham Knights in Division 1!

Falcons Yellow stepped on court ready to battle again and a battle it was until the final whistle. The starting line-up was the winning team from last week - Alex Wood-Davis (GS), Kerri Moorhouse (GA), Jo Holt (WA), Mel Brennan (C), Tamsin Mason (WD), Samantha Brown (GD), Beth Jackson (GK) with Rebecca Simms and Connie Xavier on the bench.

The game started with Knights scoring first. Falcons Yellow came back with a turnover though. Some great defensive work from Brown, Mason and Jackson was on display, whilst at the other end of the court and following great feeds from both Holt and Brennan, excellent shooting from Wood-Davis and Moorhouse was also witnessed.

Following their defeat against Nottingham City Aces, Falcons Yellow notch up their first win against Leapoole in another tough battle.

The away team welcomed back Tamsin Mason and Alex Wood-Davis, who first played for the club when she was 16 years old.
Falcons Yellow took time to gel during the first quarter but worked hard and went in at the break drawing on 11 goals each.

Leapoole Storm kicked off their first East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 1 game with an outstanding win over Charnwood Sapphires.

Leapoole’s passing was slick and smooth and their movement across the court was dynamic. Ailis Hunter and Kate Fairhurst produced a number of tips, interceptions and rebounds in defence which made life difficult for Charnwood shooters, whilst Leonie Smikle snuck in when she was least expected to, getting fantastic interceptions and causing disruption amongst Charnwood’s attack. Sarah Thomas worked hard at Centre to create space throughout the court and provided key feeds into the circle, despite a heavy fall on court. Meanwhile, Catherine Holding continued to fight hard for every loose ball and opened up the play through her quick and dynamic dodging. The shooting skills of Katie Clay, Rebecca Taylor and Jo M Nock were exemplary, hitting nothing but the net on most occasions, despite the best efforts of the Charnwood defence. It was a great team performance by Leapoole who won the game 71-28.