Victory for Brigg Blades v Iceni

Starting line up
GS Pollyanna Seamer
GA Pauline Antcliff
WA Rachel Borland
C Meg Chapman
WD Sam Rowles
GD Bec Heald
GK Rosie Tait

Following last week’s much-needed win, Brigg returned to face Iceni at Loughborough University for their fourth game of the season in the East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 2. With two key players absent, Brigg gave a debut to youngster, Pollyanna Seamer and a return to the court for U16’s Rosie Tait, who were both eager to justify their selection.

QUARTER 1 saw both teams start well. There was sharp shooting on both sides and the game initially went goal-for-goal. Brigg’s Rowles, Heald and Tait gelled as a defensive unit and saw some early turnovers, which allowed Chapman to link the play into attack and help convert Brigg’s chances. This meant Brigg finished the first quarter ahead 14 - 12.

QUARTER 2 saw Bryony Franks take to the court in place of Rachel Borland at WA, which added variety to Brigg’s attack. Iceni however came out fighting and applied defensive pressure, making it difficult for Brigg to feed the ball into their shooters. This resulted in Brigg losing the second quarter and the overall scores tied at 24-24.

QUARTER 3 saw Brigg’s Rachel Borland take the ‘C’ bib in place of Meg Chapman. After the half-time team talk, Brigg managed to regain their focus and counter the defensive measures of Iceni through some great play and decisive feeds between Antcliff and Seamer. Rowles continued to impress with some stunning interceptions and Brigg's defensive unit began to close down Iceni’s attack once more which allowed Brigg to regain their lead and finish the quarter 31-35 ahead.

QUARTER 4 saw Chapman back in at Centre (C) with Borland out at WA. Brigg continued to perform as a team to the end, applying pressure wherever they could and shooting admirably under pressure, eventually taking a 45-49 win.

Brigg put in a great team performance, which made it difficult to choose the ‘Player of the Match’. The youngsters certainly did not disappoint and held their own in this tough league but in the end the accolade was given to Sam Rowles! Brigg will be working hard before their next game against the formidable Southgate from Derbyshire on 10th November.