Thame netball: (1) Kites flying high after season’s first match

ADNL Division Four – THAME Hurricanes V Kites – 10th Sept 2014 – First Match of the season

Thame Hurricans’ 2014 team

HURRICANES started the game confidently taking an early lead. They had strong passing up the court with accurate shooting from Helen and Lucy to finish. Hurricanes were leading 8-6 at the end of the first quarter but unfortunately, Verity had to retire due to an old injury.

Chantelle took over centre position, with strong passing throughout, but Kites took advantage of the change of line up and managed to pull back taking the lead in the second quarter.

The third quarter saw excellent defending by Lyn, Sue and Emma. They put pressure on the Kites shooters and didn’t allow them to increase their lead.
It was very exciting going into the final quarter with only one goal between the teams. Lynn, now centre, found space midcourt and continued to support the shooters.

The game remained tight but Kites managed to pull away, with a final score of Hurricanes 23, Kites 26.
Squad: Sue F, Lyn H, Lynn P, Helen T, Lucy S, Chantelle, Verity, Emma and Caro.

(2) Connexions down after Tornadoes sweep through – THAME Tornadoes vs Connexions. 10 Sept 2014

THAME Tornadoes started the new season with gusto. Their first match was set to be a thrilling affair, facing recently demoted Connexions who are always strong opposition.
 
Thame got off to a slow start and were 2-0 down before Helen (GS) opened their account with a goal from a beautifully timed feed from Lisa (C). Accurate passing and shooting from Connexions ensued they pulled ahead to an 8-2 lead during the first quarter, but Thame were not to be cowed and after a small change in tactics, opening up the circle, they ended the first quarter only 9-5 down.

 The second quarter was an end-to-end affair, but Connexions began to pull ahead, dominating centre court and cramping Thame in the circle. A super long-range shot from Heather (GA), however ensured Thame ended the quarter six goals behind. Some work to do….
 
Thame were not to lose heart and began the second half with steely determination. Kirsty (GK) and Sheena (GD) were starting to take a stranglehold in the Connexions circle and pulled off some outstanding interceptions which began to badly frustrate the Connexions attack. This allowed Thame to quickly and accurately move the ball up the court and Susie (WA) was making excellent use of the width allowing Thame to finish the quarter one goal to the good.

The final quarter was nail-biting, the lead swapping almost every minute. Karen (WA) was able to provide a new lease of life to Thame with some super, high passes into the deadly accurate Hayley (GS) in the circle. Connexions were now tiring and Thame were able to fully capitalise, with Nicola (WD) able to spin some rapid-fire balls out to the wings and wear Connexions down even further. Thame were exultant, winning by a massive eight goals at 30-22. An outstanding start for Tornadoes.

Man of the match Heather (GA), chosen by Connexions.