GRASSHOPPER GRIND OUT WIN OVER HINCHCLIFFE

Grasshopper won the first centre and started well, but it was a close first quarter with both sides converting goals once they got it into the circle. In the end, Grasshopper just nudged ahead 14-12 after the first 15 minutes.

During the second quarter, Grasshopper initially pulled further ahead by several goals – only to be caught up and then overtaken by Hinchcliffe. It meant Grasshopper were trailing by half time.

At the break, Coach Anne Melling brought on fresh legs, which gave Grasshopper fresh impetus: Katie Long came on at GA , Kara Kataiwai at WA, Becs Smith at WD, and Tracy Glover at GK. Meanwhile, Megs Palmer moved across to GD to contain a very influential Hinchcliffe GA. Still, it was difficult to divide the teams – as they continued to parry – goal-for-goal. By the end of the third quarter, the score was 43-43 and both captains had been spoken to by the umpire.

With everything resting on the final quarter, the first five minutes were tense. Grasshopper moved ahead only to be caught up again by Hinchcliffe. However, with some outstanding play by Player of the Match, Katie Long – and some superb and consistent shooting by GS Stacie Racz – Grasshopper eventually pulled away to win the game 59-52. It was a hard-fought game, but Grasshopper deserved their win in the end.