Winning Start To RSNL
Thames Mavericks got off to a winning start in the Reading mixed netball league, coming up against last season's winner, Hot Shots, in the opening match of the new round of fixtures. Mavs are new to the league but ran out 36-18 winners with some great performances on court with most of their players switching positions throughout the game.
The first quarter of play was fast, if a little scrappy, as both teams worked hard to get ahead. Initially, the play went goal-for-goal with Mavericks centre, Connor Sharod-Southam working hard to control the play in the mid-court.
In the second quarter, Mavs settled first and played to their structures right across court. This led to an immediate improvement and allowed Sophie Snowden (wing defence) and Rachel Stout (goal defence) to pick up some great interceptions on some wayward passes from Hot Shots. At the other end of the court, Jacob Kirby (goal attack) and Tamryn Settle (goal shooter) found their shooting rhythm and combined to stop the Hot Shots defenders working together. At the half-time break, Mavs were leading 18-9.
Mavericks made several changes in the second half to give their players experience in a range of positions on court. Rob Lockwood moved from defence into the Mavs shooting circle and his height plus some accurate shooting kept the scoreline ticking upwards. Snowden moved to goal attack and her speed allowed her to receive some fast passes and add more goals to the Mavs scoreline. At the other end of the court, Settle and Sharod-Southam were solid in defence and Chloe Reschwamm stood out in the midcourt and with Kirby at centre. Hot Shots found it hard to move the ball to their shooters and when Mavs won a turnover, they were fast down court to Lockwood and Snowden before Hot Shots were able to reset themselves into defence.
For the final quarter, Mavs rang the changes again, and Shaord-Southam and Reschwamm moved to shoot with both players scoring well. Kirby moved to the defensive circle with Stout whilst Reschwamm and Settle played on the wings with Lockwood at centre. Mavs kept their discipline and worked the ball well in defence and attack. At the final whistle, Mavericks took the win 39-18 and the opposition voted Settle 'Player of the Match'.
