Thame netball – Match reports

(1) THAME Tornadoes V Falcons – ADNL Division 3 – October 2, 2013; 
Tense Thame sneak past Flightless Falcons

THAME entered this match looking for a third win from three matches, but began the game slowly, conceding straight away. Their frantic passing was causing loss of possession, making life so much harder for them.    A fantastic effort from Heather – GS , linking up well with the speedy Amelia – GA,  brought  Thame back into the game, their  partnership enabling Thame to take a 7-4 lead after the first quarter, from what had been a reluctant start.

The second quarter began well for Thame, who extended their lead with some controlled passing. However, this lead to a fight back from the Falcons, who used direct passing to penetrate the Thame defence. From this point passes were going astray, an indication that  both teams were feeling the pressure.  But then Thame bucked their ideas up to take a slim, 13-12 lead at half time.

The third quarter though belonged to the Falcons who maintained a strong period of pressure to take the lead midway through the quarter. This prompted a rallying cry from Sheena,  prompting Thame to stay in the match, leaving the score at 20 all, to set up a nail biting final quarter.

It was the Falcons who drew first blood, scoring to take the lead. However this was as good as it got for them, as from this point on, Thame took control of the match, with some pin point shooting.  The Falcons energy was steadily sapping away and Thame were able to hang on for a 29-25 victory, making it a terrific start to the season for them.

Contributed by Bradley Rose

(2) THAME Hurricanes V Phoenix –  ADNL Divison 4 –  October 2, 2013

PHOENIX started the game well and dominated the first half. They intercepted well and took advantage of any mistakes made by Thame leaving the Hurricanes trailing 10-5 at half time. 

However, after a change of line up, Thame came out fighting and managed to pull the score back to 11-12 at the end of the third quarter.

By the final quarter, the game was much more exciting , with both teams determined to gain the five points for a win. With improvements in both defence and attack, Thame continued to battle and managed to score goal for goal with Phoenix for the rest of the match. Unfortunately for Thame, Phoenix just managed to hang on winning 19-20.

Thame Tornadoes (minus Heather)

Team: GK Lyn H, GD Nic R, WD Jesse K, C Tor B, WA Lynn P, GA Lucy S/Helen T, GS Carol S