Sleaford won the toss and took the first centre pass - converting immediately. For a while, it was goal for goal, but then Grasshoppers, having found their rhythm, had an inspired period of play, with some good shooting from Donna Osborn (GA) and Andy Flewitt (GS). This allowed Grasshoppers to lead 11-9 at the end of the first quarter. Sleaford seemed out of sorts.
The second quarter did not continue in the same vein for Grasshoppers, as Sleaford Barge settled into their rhythm and seemed to 'up the ante'. Despite some good play by the Grasshoppers defence - Tracy Glover (GK) and Megs Palmer (GD) - Sleaford converted goal after goal and won this quarter 6-15.
It was a similar story in the third quarter, but the Grasshoppers defence contained the Sleaford Barge shooters a little more. In fact, it was a good standard of netball from all players on court but Sleaford Barge edged the quarter 6-11.
The final quarter flowed back Grasshoppers' way. They converted goal after goal and were doggedly determined in defence all up the court. Sleaford Barge had once more lost their rhythm - and also their GD to injury - and it looked as if Grasshoppers would catch them up. However, Sleaford Barge's shooters began to convert again, which meant that Grasshoppers just failed to gain an extra point by not coming within 4 goals of the final score (Grasshoppers 34-40 Sleaford Barge). A very well contested game by both sides and congratulations to Grasshoppers’ GA – Donna Osborn – who earned the Player of the Match award.
The second quarter did not continue in the same vein for Grasshoppers, as Sleaford Barge settled into their rhythm and seemed to 'up the ante'. Despite some good play by the Grasshoppers defence - Tracy Glover (GK) and Megs Palmer (GD) - Sleaford converted goal after goal and won this quarter 6-15.
It was a similar story in the third quarter, but the Grasshoppers defence contained the Sleaford Barge shooters a little more. In fact, it was a good standard of netball from all players on court but Sleaford Barge edged the quarter 6-11.
The final quarter flowed back Grasshoppers' way. They converted goal after goal and were doggedly determined in defence all up the court. Sleaford Barge had once more lost their rhythm - and also their GD to injury - and it looked as if Grasshoppers would catch them up. However, Sleaford Barge's shooters began to convert again, which meant that Grasshoppers just failed to gain an extra point by not coming within 4 goals of the final score (Grasshoppers 34-40 Sleaford Barge). A very well contested game by both sides and congratulations to Grasshoppers’ GA – Donna Osborn – who earned the Player of the Match award.
