12/12/11….Two storming wins for Thame Netball Ladies

MATCH REPORTS – Contributed by Thame Netball Club: Hurricanes V Fizzies – December 7, 2011;

(1) Thame Hurricanes blow away Fizzless Fizzies

BOTH teams looked determined before the match during the warm up. The opposition opened the scoring, but this only sparked an instant response from Thame with Helen as GS opening Thames account. Thames effort was emulated by their superb desire resulting in many interceptions. This effort enabled them to take an 8-3 lead after the first quarter.

Thame continued strongly in the second quarter to extend their lead. This lead kept increasing with several free flowing passing moves which were finished off by Carol and Helen. Their quick pass and move game play extended their lead to 15-6 at half time.

The third quarter was another dominant one for Thame with several crucial interceptions from Lyn H and the whole team. Their high intensity gave Fizzies no chance to get back into the game.

In the words of Shelly, all Thame needed to do in order to win the game was ?keep the ball?. The players went out in the last quarter and did exactly that to see out the game. There was a late goal flurry to finish the game at 28-15 to Thame. This rounds off a successful year for Hurricanes with a hat-trick of wins, as its full speed ahead to 2012!

Written by Bradley Rose

(2) Thame Cyclones v Wingrave Rockets – 21 ?20 A Win!!!

Separating the women from the girls

AS expected a fast paced start from the Wingrave youngsters, but with Thame matching the pace. Excellent defending from Jean (GK) in and around the D kept pressure on their shooters, who were then struggling to get their eye in. High number of turnovers in mid court, in part due to umpires being unusually hot on calls (Sam (WD) ? getting called for obstruction ? when does that happen?), and good defence work from both teams. Wingrave?s tall and skinny arms getting a lot of interceptions but Thame shooters Lynne and Vanessa had the edge with their finishes and kept their cool helping Thame to pull away.
End of first quarter 6 ? 3 to Thame

Second quarter and Wingrave made some changes. Fast paced again, and neck and neck. Wingrave were not able to finish though and Thame still kept the edge with excellent under pressure shots from Vanessa and Lynne.
End of second quarter 11-8 to Thame

Third quarter and Becky (WA) came on and had a stormer. Running round the D like a madwoman and showing Wingrave they don?t have the monopoly on defensive arms! This was a nail biter and very evenly matched. Thame kept getting great interceptions along the court and forcing more turnovers. Wingrave starting to show frustration with their footwork slipping and obstruction starting to creep in. Then (of course) the Cyclones? Curse of the Foot struck again and downed Kelly G (GD) (though she was fighting to be let back on!). A quick change with Amy back on and the pace continued. Wingrave?s GS suddenly had her eye in and the teams were swapping goals. Real end to end stuff! Wingrave edged ahead for the first time in the match.
End of third quarter 16 – 15 to Wingrave.

Fourth quarter and both teams started where they had left off. Swapping goals and end to end again. The crowd could not breathe!! Only one goal in it most of the way through. Wingrave getting desperate and getting pulled for obstruction with their ?arms up? tactic backfiring. Thame?s coach Lisa shouting ?DEFENCE? like it was an American football match meant that Thame defended deep and determined. The last minute was unbearable to watch as the ball was being batted between the two ends but then bell went and victory! Thame had done it by one goal. A well deserved and hard fought 5 pointer.

Final score 21 ? 20 to Thame