LB Harriers vs Crawley Green Tornadoes - February 13th 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
"Leighton Buzzard Harriers sneak a win at the last"Leighton Buzzard Harriers 28 v Crawley Green Tornadoes 24Leighton Buzzard Harriers edged a win against Crawley Green Tornadoes in a very closely fought game in difficult windy conditions last weekend. Harriers started well, dominating both in centre court and in defence; and converting each scoring opportunity into a goal. The Tornadoes were swept aside by the whirlwind which was the Harriers and the home team finished the first quarter with a comfortable 12 goal to 5 lead.However the Tornadoes came out a different team in the second quarter and refused to allow Harriers the play and court space they had enjoyed in the first. Tornadoes quickly took control, preventing the Harriers' shooters from converting and dominating in the centre court. Their determination ensured they remained in full contention. Harriers were prevented from playing their flowing game and the Tornadoes defence succeeded in their task by disrupting the Harrier shooting partnership of Tina Irvine and Hayley Barton who could only score 3 goals in the seocnd quarter whilst Tornadoes netted 9. Harriers made a change at half time with Claire McElhinney, returned from a January break, coming on at Goal Shooter. Both teams were evenly matched with both making unforced errors in passing. In a low scoring quarter Jo Baker at Wing Defence was outstanding for Harriers making vital interceptions and providing vital attacking support as Harriers drove forward. Centre Sian O'Brien found McElhinney with several long overhead passes into the circle and Natalie Boob was strong for Harriers in the Tornadoes shooting circle. However, the Tornadoes were not beaten and the third quarter saw them trailing the Harriers by only 2 goals. The final quarter was fiercely fought. The Tornadoes scored 2 quick goals to draw level at 20 goals each but the Harriers then stepped up a gear. Hayley Barton found the net, scoring several crucial goals from near the edge of the circle to edge the Harriers back into the lead. Sarah Harris was steady at Wing attack finding Barton and McElhinney with accurate passes into the circle. By the final whistle, the Green Tornadoes could not match Harriers in passing and movement and Harriers edged the win by 28 goals to 24. Team: Tina Irvine, Claire McElhinney, Hayley Barton, Sarah Harris, Sian O'Brien, Jo Baker, Harriers Players' of the Match: Jo Baker (WD) and Hayley Barton (GA) For further details on Leighton Buzzard Netball Club contact: |