Leighton Buzzard Netball Club

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Leighton Buzzard Vipers 43 Bears 39

Vipers have had a tough start to their East Regional Clubs League season, with two heavy defeats in recent weeks. They were determined to get some points under their belt from their third fixture against Essex’s Bears this weekend. Both teams started well, with the score even after the first quarter at 10-10. A stern team talk at quarter time from coach Ellis saw Vipers up the tempo in the second quarter, and a superb 15 minutes allowed the home team to take a good lead. A close third quarter kept Bears in the game and meant Vipers could only add one more goal to their lead, which resulted in a very tense final 15 minutes. Bears fought hard and reduced the difference, but Vipers clung on to their lead with a really strong squad performance, and were delighted when the final whistle blew. Lisa Blount (GD) received the away team’s player of the match, and Alison Johnson (GS) the home.

Leighton Buzzard Jets 30 Luton Red Tornadoes 26

This weekend Leighton Buzzard Jets played Luton Red Tornadoes in the Luton and Dunstable Premier League.  It was due to be a difficult game, as Tornadoes usually have the upper hand and win, however a determined Jets were eager to get a different result.  The score was even after the first quarter at 7-7, but with some fantastic defending by Kerry Cocks and Sheelah McGregor, Jets kept Tornadoes and bay and pulled ahead to be winning 16-14.  In the third quarter Jets realised that it was in this quarter where they had to maintain their lead, and with some excellent court and attacking play by Natalie Phillips, Helen Hazell and Adrienne Doyle, managed to keep the lead to 22-19.  Everyone on the court worked hard throughout the whole game with Emma Barton and Teresa Kwok keeping an experienced Tornadaoes at bay.  Teresa provided some exceptional support and back up to the Jets attack, leading to her being Jets Player of the Match.  A fantastic win for Jets, with the final score being 30-26 to them.

Leighton Buzzard Harriers 42 Apollo 28

Leighton Buzzard Harriers secured their first win of the season on Saturday beating Apollo 42 – 28. Harriers took an early lead and at the end of the first quarter were winning 9-4. Experienced side Apollo came back fighting in the second quarter but were unable to close the gap, and with Jenny Payne and Vicki Molnár-Brown providing a confident attack, Harriers were 20-15 up at half time.

Accurate shooting from Hayley Barton and solid circle defence from Sophy Oliver and Dani Bartiromo saw Harriers pull away in the third quarter, 31-21 up going into the final quarter. Harriers came back strong in the final quarter with centre-court play dominated by Karen Edgell and Sian O’Brien. With the visiting team tiring, Harriers capitalised on their lead and went on to win the game 42–28. Harriers were keen to do well despite the miserable weather at Vandyke School, and the positive attitude carried through to their game. Smooth passing, confident play and unwavering enthusiasm from all players saw Harriers gel well together as a team and led to a convincing, well-deserved win. Player of the match was shared between Hayley Barton and Dani Bartiromo