Grasshoppers dig in vs Ripley in East Midlands Netball Regional League Division 2

Grasshoppers almost had to cancel this match due to lack of players, but after hard work by club officials - they managed to field a squad of 8. Tracy Glover moved from defence to attack, shooting with Donna Osborn at GA whilst the centre position was efficiently executed by Clare Fielding in the first half and Hannah Wale in the second half. Ripley's young, athletic team stormed out of the blocks in the first quarter and romped to a 12-9 lead.

Neither team made changes moving into the second quarter and it went goal for goal. However, Grasshoppers made a superb defensive turnover, which resulted in them eventually winning the quarter 9-8.

Going into the second half, Grasshoppers were still trailing by two goals. However, they had a very strong third quarter, which saw some sterling defensive work by Kate Garner and Megs Palmer and some consistent, creative shooting by Donna Osborn. Grasshoppers won the quarter convincingly (13-6), which translated to a 31-26 lead going into the final quarter.

With Ripley making a couple of changes whilst Grasshoppers retaining the same line-up, the final quarter was a nail-biting event - especially as Grasshoppers did not capitalise on their turnovers by playing possession. Ripley's GK collected every rebound from under the post and Ripley began to claw their way back. However, Grasshoppers were saved by the whistle at full time and won the game by 38 goals to 34, but with Ripley having won the last quarter. It was a well-contested game by all concerned, but a good result for Grasshoppers, who are showing good form with two wins from two.