The game started with a switched-on Grasshopper team immediately turning over Falcons Yellow’s first centre pass and taking the ball to goal. They followed this up by converting their own centre pass and then adding another two goals without reply. As the quarter went on, Falcons tried to hone in on their prey but it was Grasshopper who continued to dominate, leading 12-8 by the end of the first quarter.

Grasshopper maintained their slick, spirited fight during the second quarter whilst Falcons Yellow still hadn’t found their rhythm. This changed as the quarter edged towards half-time though and Falcons gradually increased the number of goals converted. The Derbyshire team even managed to win the quarter (7-9) but Grasshopper still maintained their well-deserved lead overall (19-17 at half time).

Grasshopper kept up their excellent pressure throughout the court during the third quarter, helping them move several goals ahead at one point. However, they failed to play the ‘possession game’ which allowed Falcons back in to claim the quarter 10-12, bringing the scores even at 29-29.

It was a very tense final quarter but Grasshopper continued to pile on the pressure, enabling them to turn over a number of Falcons Yellow’s centre passes. Again, Grasshopper failed to play the ‘possession game’ though and after leading once more, the team allowed Falcons to swoop in to win the last quarter 8-9 and the game by one goal.

Final score: Grasshoppers 37 - 38 Falcons Yellow.

It was a well-contested game and one of Grasshopper’s best displays this season. Importantly, this and other results, also ensured Grasshopper’s status in the East Midlands Netball Regional League Division Two next season.

‘Player of the Match’ was shared by GK Tracey Glover and GD Laura Harbour after a stunning defensive performance.

Grasshopper Netball Club made a great start to their return game against Sleaford Barge in the East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 2 game (Sunday 8th February 2015). Grasshoppers took the lead in the first quarter with some slick play, demonstrating a good rhythm. However, the lead did not last long enough. Sleaford began to find their feet and turned over a couple of Grasshopper's centre passes, allowing them to have a 3-goal lead after the first quarter (10-13).

Sleaford's rhythm continued during the second quarter whereas Grasshoppers seemed to completely lose their initial positive flow. Solid shooting from the Sleaford shooters saw them open up the game and Grasshoppers were down 16-25 at half time.

Sleaford continued their onslaught during the third quarter with Grasshoppers unable to find their feet. Hoppers managed to add just 8 goals to Sleaford's 19 and by the end of the third quarter, it was 24-44.

In spite of some sterling defending by Grasshopper’s Tracy Glover (GK), her team could not catch up with Sleaford and the match ended Grasshopper NC 31-60 Sleaford.

Katie Flaherty went to bench and Tamikah to WA for the third quarter. This time Norfolk started strongly and went on a 5-goal run within a couple of minutes. But Falcons fought back. Tamikah’s speed at WA helped put her team on the front foot and Falcons closed to within four goals (overall score: 30-34)

Falcons pulled the score back to within two goals during the early stages of the fourth quarter. Again, Norfolk came back and pulled away once more though. The home team raised their intensity for the last 5 minutes, looking to overturn the score line. However, time was not on their side and the game ended Falcons 39-44 Norfolk.

Norfolk nominated 2 Falcons Black’s players as their Opponent’s Player of the Match – Olivia Mason and Issy Beighton.

Falcons hoped to push on to close the game out but TFC also started the final quarter strongest.  The game went goal for goal but Falcons worked hard to hold their own centre passes and showed great patience in taking the ball to goal to create the opportunities they needed. Meanwhile Falcon’s defence unit was solid, helping Falcons win the quarter 14-10 to tie the game 47-47.

Player of the match: Olivia Mason
Coaches player of the Match: Harrie Gill

Both teams brought on fresh legs for the third quarter, which began as a scrappy affair. Falcons struggled in the shooting circle to open up the space and also made some unforced errors, which Dudley capitalised on. This left an overall score of 40-29 going into the last fifteen minutes.

No changes were made for the final quarter, which Falcons struggled to settle into. However, it was a close quarter, which Falcons lost by just a single point, leaving a final score of 48-36.

Player of the match: Katie Flaherty.

Great work was seen by Falcons’ defence during the third fifteen minutes and especially so from Falcons’ WD, Kathryn Binks, who made a number of flying interceptions in the centre third. However, Falcons’ struggled in the shooting circle to open up the space. This, combined with some more unforced errors, meant Cumberland could capitalise on their chances. Luckily, for Falcons though, they still led by two going into the final quarter: Falcons 33-31 Cumberland.

Falcons’ Tyler moved to GS and Helen to bench. 

Falcons struggled to settle during the last quarter and were put under increasing pressure by Cumberland. In the end, Cumberland took control of the game and won the match 37-45. 

Players of the match: Caroline Tarnowski and Harrie Gill

Falcons came out relaxed but focussed on the task. Both teams made an impressive start by holding their own centre passes, a few balls were lost due to misplaced passes and unforced errors by Falcons. Ryland capitalised on this and with some good attacking play. Despite this, Falcons' attack still managed to get free with and Liv Mason and Helen Hancock combined well in the shooting circle. Falcons stepped up in the last 2 minutes and Olivia scored a great long range shot. Falcons held their own centre from this point, so the quarter ended Falcons 9-17 Ryland.

Falcons' defence applied heavy pressure on Ryland's attack during the second quarter, which created some tips/interceptions, which Falcons capitalised on. They won the quarter 9-7 (overall score 18-24). 

Falcons stepped up the pressure during the third quarter to win it 13-10 (overall score: 31-34) so both teams knew that the fourth quarter was to be a tightly fought contest. However, Ryland played some smart netball to take the game away from Falcons to win 41-48 overall. 

Player of the match: Olivia Mason

Katie Flaherty moved to the bench and Hannah Joseph moved to WA at the break. The change helped Falcons retain their centre pass, with Hannah getting free with ease. Falcons also managed to up their number of rebounds, tips and interceptions, with Kathryn doing  a particularly impressive job at WD, forcing her opponent high and wide. This limited Jets’ options, and Falcons were able to capitalise. They won the quarter 14-12, to make the overall score 34-36. 

Francesca moved to the bench with Tamikah coming on at Centre. Falcons held their own centre pass and then broke Jets’ to level the score. The game went goal-for-goal for the next few minutes, until Tamikah found Liv in the shooting circle, who had an opportunity to take a long range shot. Liv made it, which catalysed Falcons’ comeback. The attack began to move the ball much flatter and faster down the court, and the goals kept coming from there.  Falcons won the quarter 18-10 to win the match52-46. 

A well-deserved win for Falcons! 

Player of the match: Olivia Mason