Brigg Blades v TFC Too

Line Up
GK Nicky Shipley
GD Rebecca Heald
C Bryony Franks
WA
GA Pauline Antcliff
GS Hattie Haswell
Coach Vanessa Mcerlain-Naylor

Brigg Blades were already uncomfortable attending this week’s match having only 7 players available. Their fears were justified when they received news that one of their 7 could not make the start of the match. The decision was taken by Coach Vanessa McErlain to drop the WA position for tactical reasons and a strategy for the game quickly worked on during the warm up.

During the first quarter Loughborough’s TFC Too were quick to capitalise on their extra player, making it very difficult for Brigg to penetrate through to goal. Brigg’s attacking players were being worn down in the process but they still managed to make it 7-7 at quarter time.

The Brigg team returned to the court for the second quarter in a positive frame of mind. The team worked hard from defence through to attack but TFC Too continued to apply effective pressure in Brigg's attacking end. Brigg were again being worn down and forced to play the ball back. However, the team was playing well overall and even managed to sneak a one goal lead at half time (15-14).

Brigg produced a phenomenal team effort from start to finish during the third quarter, which lifted players at both ends of the court. It started with some fine turnovers from Shipley and Heald – the latter, alongside Major, showing incredible levels of fitness and strength to bring the ball through the mid court. This took some pressure away from Antcliff and Franks, who, alongside Haswell linked in perfectly and found their flow. Brigg’s creative play saw them easily break through the defensive TFC wall and capitalise to produce a well-earned and significant lead (Q3 score: Brigg 29-19 TFC Too).

Brigg were back up to 7 players for the final quarter, making them even keener to keep their lead. However, TFC Too continued to challenge every ball and player making Brigg work hard to maintain their lead. In the end, Brigg had done more than enough though. Final score: Brigg 39-27 TFC Too.

Brigg put out an unbelievable team performance under incredible pressure and understandably were very proud of their effort. Player of the match went to Rebecca Heald for her unyielding determination and athleticism. Well played to TFC Too who were uncompromising competitors.