Mixed end of season for Thame’s battling netball teams

Thame Cyclones v Flames  Wednesday 2nd April 2014 – ADNL Div 5 -Final match of the season

THE last time Cyclones played bottom-of-the division Flames they won 48-10.  But this did not mean that Cyclones could go into the game feeling complacent.  In the first quarter, Flames only had six players which Cyclones were able to take full advantage of. With their extra player, Cyclones were able to over-power Flames in the centre half with some fabulous interceptions by Sam (WD), combined with brilliant movement in the circle by Sara (GS) working well with Lynn (GA) to power Cyclones into the lead in the first quarter by 13 goals to 1.

Team Cyclones

The second quarter saw the game become a little scrappy as Flames, back to their full seven players, fought to stay in the game.  However, the domination of the centre court continued with Katie (WA) taking full advantage of Sara’s height with a series of strong, long passes straight to her under the post, leaving the defence dumbfounded. This, coupled with the continuous interceptions down the court from both Amy (C) and Penny (GD), allowed Cyclones to increase their lead at the end of the second quarter, with the score at 26-4.

The third quarter saw the substitution of Sara for Vanessa as GS. The shooting ‘dream team’ members, Vanessa (GS) and Lynn (GA) were able to show off their silky skills and intuitive play with each other for the very last time, as it was to be Vanessa’s last match for Thame.  It was a masterclass in how a GA and GS should work together and left the Flames’ defence helplessly retrieving balls that glided through the net for the centre pass.  Vanessa and Lynn were backed up once more with good play on centre court by Sam (WD) continually finding great space and Amy (C) showing off her ability to defend and then attack swiftly.  Penny (GD) kept up the pressure on a very tall and quick Flames GA, giving great support to Emma (GK) in the circle. Cyclones once more increased their lead and at the end of the third quarter were winning 35-9.

The final quarter saw Katie injured, and Sam move to (WA) while Kelly came on as (WD). Cyclones kept it together against some physical defending as Flames tried in vain to close the gap.  A number of penalties in Cyclones’ favour were used to full advantage in the centre half, with Kelly (WD) quickly reacting to these decisions and passing the ball out before Flames had time to regroup and successfully mark. The interceptions were flying and the goals kept coming. A fantastic 42-10 win for Cyclones to end their 2013/14 season.

Thame Hurricanes V Kites – April 2, 2014 – ADNL Div4 – Final Match of the season

HURRICANES started the game with only five of their 11 woman squad, having to play two players up from Cyclones. This meant positions were re-arranged and the battle commenced.

Team Hurricanes

The match against Kites is always a close run thing with some sharp defending on both sides. Jesse played centre for only the second time and did a grand job running all over the court. Lynn in WA was as lively as ever and fought hard against the Kites’ defence. Nic, in as Keeper following an ankle injury, was very vocal with her instructions to those playing in front of her, which proved useful against the in-form Kites’ shooter. Lyn, out from Keeper to Goal Defence, was feeling the pace, chasing Kites’ GA and dropping back to cover the GS. Karen in WD, recently back after the birth of her lovely daughter, did a tremendous job and made the match hard for Kites’ WA with lots of strong play and interceptions. Lynn and Sarah, who had already played for Cyclones earlier in the evening, did an awesome job as GS and GA to keep the team in with a fighting chance.

Coach Shelley was struggling to remain calm on the sideline as the game was fairly close in the first half, but due to tiredness and out of position players, more errors were creeping in. Inaccurate passes, dropped balls and slow turn arounds meant Kites were able to pull ahead.

The result had no bearing on the final League position for Thame Hurricanes, who were heading for the play offs at third bottom. Too many close matches lost by one or two goals and not enough wins means one more match ahead and the team is hoping for a speedy recovery for its injured players.

Final Score 20-30 to Kites.
Squad. Nic R, Sue F, Lyn H, Jesse K, Lynn P, Helen T, Tor B, Carol S, Lucy S, Jessica R, karen F.

Top of the League Matrix prove too strong for Thame

WITH Thame looking to end their season on a high, things started badly for them, with Matrix making a strong start to the game. Proceedings began in a frantic manner, with both sides giving possession away, therefore creating limited chances. Matrix were on top, but Helen managed to open Thame’s account to give them some belief. Although Matrix were on top throughout the quarter, Thame managed to gain some composure to find themselves only 9-5 down by the end of it.

The second quarter was a much tighter affair with both sides looking to implement their own style of play to gain an advantage. Thame came out much stronger, passing much more fluently and putting pressure on the opposition. Strong interceptions from Kirsty gave Thame a strong base to work from, meaning they could close the gap to 12-8 at half time.

Thame were looking to start the second half on the front foot and made the perfect start with a goal from Heather. However, Matrix were still threatening and began to show their dominance as the quarter progressed, enabling them to take a commanding 21-12 lead into the final quarter.

A massive effort was required from Thame if they were to get back into the game, and things started brightly, with a few goals in quick succession. This gave them the confidence to push on and get within four points at one stage, before Matrix hit back and repelled their effort. Unfortunately Thame had no time to respond and eventually lost 26-20, to round off, what was overall a successful season, from where they were last time around.

Contributed by Bradley Rose