Thame Netball Club’s latest match reports

(1) ADNL Div 4 26/11/14 – Hurricanes v Crendon Aces 44-21 – WEDNESDAY night saw Thame Hurricanes play against Long Crendon Aces. Beset by injuries, Crendon only had six players, but Thame knew they would still have a fight on their hands.

Thame came out very slowly from the first whistle and were behind the play for much of the first quarter. A team talk from coach Shelley Weeks saw a more aggressive start to the second quarter as Verity, Lucy and Lynn P started to chase down every loose ball and defenders Sue and Lyn tightened their game to intercept more balls. Hurricanes shooters Helen and Carol’s goal percentages went up and the play began to swing in Thame’s favour.

In the third quarter feisty centre court play and consistent defending saw the ball turned over as Thame used their free player successfully to widen the score line. Thame were able to use fresh legs from subs Chantelle and Emma to keep the pressure on right to the end.

Credit must go to all of the Crendon ladies who never gave up throughout the entire match and made Hurricanes work for their win.

Hurricanes will need a flying start and more pressure from all players from the off next week if they are to beat their team mates Cyclones in the same division.

Hurricanes Team: Carol S, Lucy S, Helen T, Chantelle, Verity P, Emma W, Lynn P, Sue F, Lyn H

(2) ADNL Div 4 -Thame Cyclones V Wingrave

THAME were prepared for a tough game from the beginning and the co-ordination between the team mates was excellent from the start. It was a fast paced game with a lot of smooth passes from the whole team, the first two quarters were very close with the second ending with Wingrave Comets only one net ahead. Then both teams became tired and Wingrave Comets gained a greater lead. Thame’s defence was very active over a strong attack. Some excellent goals from both GS and GA. The game ended on a disappointing 39-25 to Wingrave Comets, both teams played extremely well and determined it was a great game.

Cyclones Team: Amy S, Sam A, Ellie D, Kelly L, Megan C, Anna M, Lynne J, Katie V, Kelly S, Sarah H.

(3) ADNL Div 3 – Thame Tornadoes v Cherokees

THAME Tornadoes took to the court determined to return to their winning ways. Confident they could take the points Thame took an early lead, with shooters Heather and Hayley working well together in the circle. Excellent defensive play limited the goals scored by Cherokees and the first quarter ended 11 – 2 to Tornadoes. Cherokees had a better second quarter but Thame continued to play well. By capitalising on mistakes and making the most of turn-over balls Thame extended their lead to 20 – 9. With an ambitious target of 50 goals (set by Heather!) Thame took to the third quarter with fighting spirit. The Cherokees defence were also fighting hard which forced Thame to work the ball around the circle. Thame still had the edge and the quarter ended 29 – 16. With a slightly more realistic target of 40 goals (set by Shelley!) Thame were keen to finish the game on a high. Heather and Hayley continued to sink the goals and despite giving it everything they had a tired Cherokees just couldn’t do enough to catch the Tornadoes. Thame fell just short of their target but won the game convincingly. The final score was 39 – 22. Player of the Match = Heather P Muppet of the Match = Kirsty for her hilarious “helloooo” blunder!
Tornadoes team: Heather, Hayley, Karen, Nic, Lisa, Sheena, Susie, Kirsty.

SOURCE: Contributed

Thame Netball team, Hurricanes in action