Match Report - Team Thunder 02.12.18

11 Players took to the warm up for Team Thunder against Devon rivals of Lovell Titans. With our shooting star of Louise Lathwell out of action with a ankle injury, versatile Ruth Chamings took to the court in the shooting role of GA. Thunder had plenty of possession for the first quarter, but the pressure from Lovell defence, proved a challenge for Lorraine Cleverdon Brend, and the shots were not sinking into the net easily. Coming off from the first quarter and the score lines were level a piece, 7 all. For the 2nd quarter, the only change to Thunders line up, was the switching of shooters. Lorraine to GA and Ruth to use her height in as GS. Cara Copsey and Daisy Totterdell were working tirelessly at the back to gain several defensive rebounds, and linked well with Rowan Fitzsimmons (WD), to get the ball up court. Lorraine found her shooting form, and sinked an impressive 6 out of 7 attempts for this quarter, but errors did start to creep into our game, and the centre court were making unforced errors, to allow Lovell to start to pull away, with a 7 goal lead at half time. (21-14). Changes needed to be made to Thunder, to try and disrupt the flow of the game, and get us back on track. Rowan made way for Paula Young due to a leg injury, and Ruth went back into her normal GD role, aided by Daisy into GK. Cara moved to WA, and Nicole Lathwell switched to GA and Cleverdon Brend moved back to GS. The start of the 3rd quarter didn't go so well, and the confidence from our shooters were lacking. Lots of long range shots were missed and Lovell capitalised on the rebounds to score. With 10 minutes gone of the quarter, Cara called time (as not feeling too well), and Lorraine Beel graced the court as WA. Titans were determined to pull back the score line, and suddenly the belief of confidence came flooding back to Cleverdon Brend, and she was popping in the long range shots with ease. We came off from the 3rd quarter within 5 goals down (25-20), and actually won the quarter 6-4. No changes were made for the last 15 minutes of play.  Titans had renewed belief, and started to claw their way back into the game. The style of play was completely changed, as Lorraine Beel slowed the game down to allow the extra passes to goal, and Nicole & Cleverdon Brend were sinking the goals from anywhere in the circle. Lucy Burnett used her speed and fitness to create space and opportunities down the court. The noise from the teams and spectators were growing, and it was evident the passion was there to win. With a few minutes left of play, we had managed to get ourselves with a 3 goal lead. Lovell didn't go down without a fight though, and their GS sunk 3 goals without a reply, and managed to get themselves in the lead again by a single goal. With mounting pressure from our defence trio, and a fine interception from Paula Young, Thunder turned over the ball and patiently took the ball to goal, with fantastic shooting from both Cleverdon Brend (8 out of 10 attempts), and Nicole (6 out of 7 attempts) in the last quarter. Their confidence to put the long range shot up showed their passion to succeed and with the clock running out, we managed to get ourselves back into the lead, to take the win on the final whistle, by 2 single goals. 34-32. A great spectacle for all to witness the come back of the mighty Titans. Everyone certainly played their part. Player of the match went to Lucy Burnett from the opposition, and Nicole Lathwell from Titans.

Team Line Up: Cara Copsey, Daisy Totterdell, Rowan Fitzsimmons, Lucy Burnett, Nicole Lathwell, Ruth Chamings, Lorraine Cleverdon Brend, Paula Young, Lorraine Beel, Claire Turner & Nicky Hinton.