Second Team Match Reports
12th July 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 19 : Yendys C 18
The final game of the Dudley League saw us take on a young, energetic Yendys side. The previous encounter had seen us take a win by just one goal (23-22) so again we knew this would be a close match.
Both teams started brightly, but Yendys were able to win the first and second quarters. The half time chat saw the team come together and re-group as a unit, who were encouraged to give their all for the final two quarters. In the second half of the match, Hoppers played well and were able to turn the game around to finish winners at 19-18. Well done to Kate who was named player of the match for our final game of the season – go girl! Thank you goes to Abi who played up from the thirds and did a grand job as GA.
Nicky (Captain)
5th July 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 20 : DLNC D 22
After a disappointing loss from the previous week, the team was faced with another tough match as DLNC have only lost one game all season and sit second in the table. However the girls were determined to put that behind us and focus on the game in hand. Having previously lost to DLNC by 21-17 in the first half of the season the team realised we would have to start strongly and keep this going for the whole duration of the game.
Both teams started brightly and Hoppers played some outstanding netball – perhaps our best performance all season. It was a close match end to end and at one point Hoppers did take the lead, but DLNC played well and managed to come back and take full points from the game, however we came away with a hard fought two points from this game so this was a good result and a much more closer match than the previous encounter.
I have to highlight the performance of Emily who played up from the thirds and had a cracking game as GS. She was named our played of the match, so well done and thanks for making yourself available to help the team out.
Nicky (Captain)
28th June 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 9 : Parkside B 19
The team expected a tough and physical match as Parkside have remained undefeated in this league, but the girls were optimistic as the last game was a close one where Hoppers narrowly lost by 27-22. A slow start to the game and lost possession gave opportunities to Parkside who were quick to capitalise and took the first quarter 7-1. For the rest of the game, Hoppers were always going to be chasing the game and the second quarter saw an improved performance where the Parkside lead was closed to 10-5. The third quarter saw both teams score more goals, but despite the outstanding work by our defence the team were not able to capitalise these efforts into goals and the ball was too easily lost in the attack. As a result Parkside were able to stretch their lead and finished the quarter still ahead at 16-9. The final quarter saw Parkside only score just three goals, however a lack of goal scoring opportunities and the defensive work put in by the Parkside defence meant that Hoppers were not able to score one goal in the final quarter, and came away from this game with no points which was disappointing.
Nicky (Captain)
14th June 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 15 : Oldbury II 15
Although Hoppers had beaten this team previously in the first half of the season, the team knew this would be a much closer game as Oldbury have overtaken us in the league table so this match became a clash of third versus fourth.
All throughout the match this was a very cagy game and a close one to call. The shooters for both teams were putting their shots away and hardly missing, so it became evident that the game would be decided on our ability to defend and keep possession in the attack. The score was extremely close all game, but in the final few moments of the game Hoppers managed to take a one goal lead. The team tried to keep the ball by playing for possession – passing the ball around to wind the clock down, but one mistake allowed the ball to be turned over and Oldbury managed to score in the dying seconds to level the match out at 15-15.
For the neutral supporter some might say this was a fair result, but on reflection had we kept possession for another 20 seconds or so we could have come away with maximum points from this game.
Nicky (Captain)
7th June 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 26 : Chasers 13
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacie | Sub | Sub | WA | WA |
| Ellie | C | C | C | C |
| Hannah | GS | GS | GS | GS |
| Lucille | GD | GD | GD | GD |
| Nicky | GS | GA | GA | GA |
| Rachel | WA | WA | Sub | Sub |
| Sian L | WD | WD | WD | WD |
| Kate | GK | GK | GK | GK |
Voted player of the match: Hannah
To put behind the disappointment of the previous game behind us, a much needed win was needed here. Before the game the girls were all reminded that we are not to take any game for granted, we all need to be focused and ready to hit the ground running in the first quarter of every match. Although Chasers are bottom of the league, they played well in the first quarter and it proved to be a close game, however Hoppers ended up taking the first quarter 6-4. The second quarter began and we settled into playing a steady, disciplined game. The ball was carefully worked around the court, as instructions were given that unless it was a 100% safe pass, no overhead passes should be given. This meant the ball was worked into the shooters to create a good number of scoring opportunities, where our lead was stretched out to 13-8. The half time chat revolved around keeping a lead and extending this where we were able to. Hoppers pushed on to diminish any attempts by Chasers to make a comeback in this game and the girls kept doing what we had done all game; attack, defend, score – keeping it simple, but effective and our lead in the third quarter extended to 20-11. The fourth quarter revolved around extending our lead and safely working the ball into the shooters, who worked really well together and were on fire all game. The game finished to see us take the game comfortable winners at 26-13.
This was a 100% improved performance on the previous game and much more the way in which we all know how to play. Well done girls this was a really strong and complete performance, so let’s take what we have learnt from this season forward and take each game as it comes. In order to move up the table, this is the kind of performance we need on court every week so let’s keep it going. Finally, congratulations to Hannah who for the second time this season was named our player of the match .
Nicky (Captain)
24th May 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 20 : Mak 7 23
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacie | WA | WA | WA | Sub |
| Ellie | C | C | C | C |
| Hannah | GA | GA | Sub | GA |
| Lucille | GD | GD | Sub | Sub |
| Nicky | Sub | Sub | GK | WA |
| Rachel | WD | WD | WD | WD |
| Sian L | Sub | Sub | GD | GD |
| Andrew W. | GK | GK | GK | GK |
| Alison | GS | GS | GS | GS |
Voted player of the match: Lacie
A win from the previous week sees us now having completed the first half of the season and sitting at third in the division. This is a team who we originally beat convincingly 34-16 in our opening game of the league. With the absence of Kate, we called upon help of Andrea who played up from the thirds and played a blinder in the defensive circle, so thanks for helping us out and making yourself available. There is little to write in the match report about this game apart from recognising and highlighting the excellent performances of Andrea, and Lacie, who for the first team this season earned herself player of the match so well done!
Although we came away from this game with two points, we have to look at this result and admit this was three points so cheaply given away to the opposing team as we now move down to fourth in the table.
Nicky (Captain)
17th May 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 23 : Yendy's C 22
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacie | GA | Sub | Sub | Sub |
| Ellie | WA | WA | C | C |
| Hannah | Sub | GS | GS | GS |
| Lucille | GD | GD | GD | GD |
| Nicky | GS | GA | GA | GA |
| Rachel | WD | WD | WA | WA |
| Sian L | C | C | WD | WD |
| Kate | GK | GK | GK | GK |
Voted player of the match: Sian L
After losing the previous two games against Parkside and DLNC, the girls realised that a much needed win was required to lift morale. The girls knew this would be a fast paced match and close encounter, which proved to be just that all throughout the game. Both teams started slowly and missed several goal scoring opportunities. Yendys finished the first quarter winners at 5-4. Changes were made to the start of quarter two and we played some steady netball. Hoppers kept up with the fast pace of the game and didn’t allow Yendys to dominate the game. The second quarter ended with Hoppers narrowly trailing behind at 12-11. The game up until this point had seen us trail each of the previous quarters by one goal, so the girls were asked to take this quarter by capitalising on the opposition’s errors and take advantage of such opportunities to control the game. This meant that when we turned the ball over, the ball had to be carried down the court safely into our shooters, who would work themselves into goal scoring positions. This hard work and determination was rewarded in Hoppers taking a one goal lead at the end of quarter three to take a 17-16 lead into the final quarter. The girls realised that Yendys would come out strong and that if we kept the pace going, we could snatch ourselves a win so we would keep cool heads and play for possession. The team did just that, the final whistle went and Hoppers finished winners at 23-12.
Overall this was a good team performance by everyone, so well done to all and we earned ourselves a much needed win and five points. Congratulations to Sian who for the fourth time this season was named player of the match - go girl!
Nicky (Captain)
10th May 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 17 : DLNC D 21
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacie | Sub | Sub | WA | Sub |
| Ellie | Sub | WA | C | C |
| Hannah | GA | GS | GS | GS |
| Lucille | Sub | Sub | Sub | Sub |
| Nicky | WA | GA | GA | GA |
| Rachel | WD | WD | WD | WD |
| Sian L | GD | GD | GD | GD |
| Kate | GK | GK | GK | GK |
| Alison | GS | Sub | Sub | Sub |
| Sian W | C | C | Sub | WA |
Voted player of the match: Sian L
Following on from the previous week, Hoppers knew this would be another tough game as DLNC D, like Parkside, are also unbeaten this season and top of our division. DLNC D came fast out of the blocks, but Hoppers were really slow to start and did not play well, the first quarter saw us trailing behind 10-3. Changes had to be made in the attacking end, the feedback received was that we were not attacking our shooting circle and the movement needed to be better. The second quarter saw a much improved performance and the feedback was taken on board, DLNC D only scored 3 goals, whereas Hoppers scored 5 so the deficit was closed to 13-8.
The third quarter saw changes in the centre court, to give Sian W a rest as she had played a full game for the first team before this one. The team pushed on to close the deficit to just three goals at one point, but too much lost possession proved to be our downfall. The fourth quarter saw Hoppers really turn this around and played so much better, however it was not to be and it was pleasing that we came away from this game with two points. Had we not made changes to the game, we might not have gained anything from this game.
On reflection, we have now played perhaps the two toughest teams in the division but we cannot afford to lose anymore games. It’s vital that we start games more quickly and settle on court, so can we can we please take this forward into our next game. Thanks to our subs, supporters who came to watch and Sian W who played her final match for the seconds before being permanently transferred to the firsts. Congratulations to Sian L who for the third time this season has been named our player of the match, excellent work!
Nicky (Captain)
5th May 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 22 : Parkside B 27
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacie | WA | WA | WA | WA |
| Ellie | C | C | C | C |
| Hannah | GS | GS | GS | GS |
| Lucille | GD | GD | GD | GD |
| Nicky | GA | GA | GA | GA |
| Rachel | WD | Sub | Sub | Sub |
| Sian | GK | WD | WD | WD |
| Kate | Sub | GK | GK | GK |
Voted player of the match: Hannah
The girls knew this would be a physical and fast paced match, which proved to be just that. Hoppers were slow to start and started poorly; with too much lost possession and accurate conversions into goals from Parkside resulted in Hoppers loosing the first quarter 11-4. In order to try and keep in the game, changes were made for obvious reasons. The team discussed what was going wrong, and were determined to make an impression on this game and create a comeback. Hoppers played like a completely different team in the second quarter to close the deficit down to 15-11. We played for possession and worked the ball carefully into our shooters, who were on fine form all game.
The half time chat revolved around ensuring we maintained the current pace of the game, to push on and put Parkside under pressure. It was so pleasing that we did this, because unforced errors and missed shots made by the opposing team meant our defence capitalised on this to turn the ball over, work with the attack to bring the ball safely into our shooting circle, where steady heads were held to score these important goals. The third quarter saw us close the gap again to trail by just one goal; 20-19. The fourth quarter began with Hoppers having played so well to turn this game around, unfortunately the pace could not be maintained and too many wasted opportunities passed us by. The final whistle ended with us loosing our first game of the season by 5 goals, however on the positive side we came away with two points.
Overall this was a strong performance by everyone, so well done to all. It’s fair to say the first quarter cost us the game, so moving forward we need to make sure we start as we mean to go on. Thank you to the extra support and feedback received from our sub and supporters. Finally, congratulations to Hannah who was named player of the match for the second time this season - go girl!
Nicky (Captain)
26th April 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 27 : Trinity 1 16
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alison | GS | GS | GS | GS |
| Ellie | C | C | C | C |
| Hannah | Sub | |||
| Lucille | GD | GD | GD | GD |
| Nicky | WA | WA | WA | WA |
| Rachel | GA | GA | GA | GA |
| Sian | WD | WD | WD | WD |
| Sue P | GK | GK | GK | GK |
Voted player of the match: Sian
The fourth game into the season saw us take on Trinity I -a team who have acquired 2 points from the opening games in the division. Hoppers have moved up to second place in the table having won against Oldbury II in the previous week.
Hoppers started at a slow pace considering the opposing team had just five players to win the first quarter 6-4. The addition of two other players made the second quarter a close affair, but Hoppers held on to win this section of the game and keep a slim lead. The third quarter was the turning point of the game, our GS held her space in the circle which allowed some good feeds in to ensure that shots were made as close to the post as possible, which were fired in from GA, WA and C. Hoppers held their own and pushed on to capitalise on missed shots, rebounds and good defensive work by WD, GD and GK to bring the ball safely down the court, which meant our lead stretched out to 20-14. The girls were encouraged to push and play for possession if the safe pass wasn’t on, look back and then rebuild to create better attacking opportunities. It was clear that Trinity I came into the fourth quarter determined to make a comeback, however the discipline which was shown on court and required at this point of the game meant we were able to stretch our lead out and suppress these efforts by the opposite team.
Although this wasn’t our best performance as a team, a win is a win and we maintain our 100% winning record to earn us a maximum of 20 points. The next game we face is a clash of second versus third, so we need an enhanced team performance next time. I’d like to say thank you to Sue Preston who played up from the thirds and did a grand job in the defensive circle. Thanks to our sub who gave us constructive feedback at the end of each quarter and finally congratulations to Sian who was named our player of the match for the second week running. Well done!
Nicky (Captain)
19th April 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 25 : Oldbury II 13
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alison | Sub | |||
| Ellie | C | C | C | C |
| Hannah | GS | GS | GS | GS |
| Kate | GK | GK | GK | GK |
| Lacie | WA | WA | WA | WA |
| Lucille | GD | GD | GD | GD |
| Nicky | GA | GA | GA | GA |
| Rachel | Sub | |||
| Sian | WD | WD | WD | WD |
Voted player of the match: Sian
The third game into the season saw Hoppers take on Oldbury II - a team who also have a 100% winning record in the league. Hoppers have had a great start to the season and up until this game were sitting in third in the table, so in order for Hoppers to move up to second in the table we would have to win this game.
Hoppers started brightly and converted some early goals to take the first quarter 7-4. The second quarter saw us settle down to play some good flowing netball, keep our cool and stay focused to keep the lead and finish the quarter winners at 12-7. Up until this point the game had been quite close and with Hoppers only managing to stretch to a 5 goal lead, meant that decisions were made at half-time not to make any changes to the team because it was such a close match. The third quarter began and the excellent work put in by GK (Kate) and GD (Lucille) meant Hoppers began to capitalise on some missed shots and rebounds. Our WD (Sian) made some excellent interceptions at key points of the game and regularly acted as an extra person in the attack to work with C (Ellie) and WA (Lacie) to keep the possession in the centre third to work the ball safely into our shooters. Hoppers finished the quarter strongly to take a lead of 18-11 into the final quarter.
Our captain re-grouped the team for the final quarter to encourage the team to push on and not allow Oldbury II opportunities to play themselves back into the game, and stressed that we would play for possession, if the safe option wasn’t on – then to use our GD and WD as back up. This tactic helped as Oldbury II came out determined to make up the deficit, but our patience and focus did not allow this to happen. Our GA (Nicky) worked hard to play herself in / out of the circle and with GS (Hannah) our shooters played well together to pass the ball safely around the top of the shooting circle to convert some excellent shots and finish the game winners at 25-13.
Well done to the whole team, this was a great effort and many thanks to our subs who although did not play this week provided some good tips and feedback which we were able to apply to our game. Congratulations to Sian who was named our player of the match.
Nicky (Captain)
12th April 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 30 : Chasers 24
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellie | C | C | C | C |
| Hannah | GS | GS | GS | GS |
| Kate | GK | GK | GK | GK |
| Lacie | WA | WA | WA | WA |
| Lucille | GD | GD | GD | GD |
| Nicky | GA | GA | GA | GA |
| Sian | WD | WD | WD | WD |
Voted player of the match: Hannah
Following on from the previous week, Hoppers were keen to secure a second win in this season. It was apparent from the first quarter that this was going to be a tougher / more physical game from the previous week. Moving into the second quarter and third quarter, Hoppers fought hard to keep within a touching distance of the lead which at one point we did take but failed to capitalise on. Up until now the game had been quite scrappy and Hoppers didn’t seem to get going. However, this all changed in the fourth quarter and especially as we were loosing, everyone was asked to give an extra effort to snatch these five points away from Chasers. Despite the physical game, Hoppers held their own and pushed on, our GK (Kate) and GD (Lucille) exerted some extra pressure on the shooters and capitalised on some missed shots from Chasers to pick up the rebounds. Sian (WD) stole some vital interceptions and helped to back up our attack meaning if the safe pass wasn’t on moving forward the attack could always pass back. Ellie © and Lacie (WA) delivered some excellent feeds into the circle and provided excellent options on the top of the circle so the ball could be worked in to the shooters and get nearer the post. In our shooting circle Hannah (GS) and Nicky (GA) stayed focused not to let the constant moaning of the opposition or consistent contacts get to them and important goals were scored at crucial points of the game. These goals could not have been scored had it not been for the other five players on court, so well done to everyone this was a real team effort and meant that Hoppers stormed the last quarter to finish winners at 30 – 24.
Well done girls, we worked so hard to win this game. Let’s take this winning streak into the third game and push on. Congratulations to Hannah who was named our player of the match.
Nicky (Captain)
7th April 2010
Final Score - Grasshoppers 34 : Mac 7 16
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alison | GS | GS | GS | GS |
| Ellie | C | C | C | C |
| Hannah | GA | GA | GA | GA |
| Kate | GK | GK | GK | GK |
| Lacie | WA | WA | WA | WA |
| Lucille | GD | GD | GD | GD |
| Nicky | Sub | |||
| Sian | WD | WD | WD | WD |
Voted player of the match: Ellie
The girls were looking forward to the first game of the season in the Dudley League. This is an important season for the seconds as our intentions are to win this league in order to gain automatic promotion to the next division.
Hoppers ended the first quarter strongly winning this 10-3 as a result of accurate shooting, feeds into the circle and excellent work from our defence. Mak7 attempted to make a comeback in the second quarter and although Hoppers still won the quarter 15-8, we were disappointed that we only scored 5 and had allowed the opposition to score 5. A half time chat from our coach and captain saw an improved performance in quarter three where we played some good netball and more focused to push on to secure a win. The girls went into quarter three, playing the way we know how to. The excellent defensive in / around the Mak7 shooting circle saw the turnarounds / rebounds picked up by Kate (GK), Lucille (GD) and Sian (WD), where Ellie © and Lacie (WA) safely carried the ball into the circle where some steady shooting from both Alison (GS) and Hannah (GA) meant our lead stretched out to 27-13. Going into the final quarter as the 5 points were pretty much safe, the team were asked to push on – as ensuring the opposition do not score more than half our goals can better our ratings in the table. The team did this and fantastic work from our defence only allowed Mak7 to score 3 goals, meaning they did not achieve a point from this game.
This was a strong performance by everyone, so well done to all. I’d also like to welcome our coach, Chris Molloy and we look forward to working with him this season. Well done to Ellie who was named our player of the match.
Nicky (Captain)