Thunderbirds 3 32 Shooters Flames 54
Stratford Ladies Blues 53 Thunderbirds 2 21
Thunderbirds 4 17 Comets Tornadoes 67
Stratford Ladies Purples 30 BDR 11
Thunderbirds 5 9 Trust Helping Hands 58
Shooters Sparks 23 Thunderbirds 1 28

Thunderbirds 3 had a number of newly registered players for this week's match against Shooters Flames.  They came together well and brought the game to Flames.  From 10th position, T3 managed to be well within 50% of the winning score of 2nd placed Flames.  They managed to score nearly twice the total goal tally from the previous 2 meetings in this final match between the teams.  Both GS took player awards, Abi Francis for Thunderbirds took the oppositions award and Naomi Parker the umpires' award for Flames.  

League leaders Stratford Ladies Blues met Thunderbirds 2.  In the first quarter Thunderbirds were generally keeping up with Blues, but for a few unforced mistakes.  At the first interval, Blues led by 11 goals to 5.  Both teams scored reasonably consistently throughout the match, with Blues winning each quarter by slightly bigger margins as the game went on for then to take the win and 5 points.  Holly Binks for Thunderbirds took the umpires' and players' award; starting at WA and playing various positions throughout the game, her contribution from each was positive for the Thunderbirds team.  *Pictured below in action at C contesting the ball with Alice Linley.  Equally, Carolyn Stacey, starting at GD and moving to C later in the game served her side well.  

Thunderbirds 4 met Comets Tornadoes.  In each meeting between the 2 teams Comets have managed a similar scoreline and goal difference.  T4 had 2 newly registered players join them with Beth Phillips impressing the umpires at C, and Megan Rogers the opposition at WD.  For Comets, Becky Fernandes-Green and Alma Warburton picked up the umpires' and players' awards respectively.

In the late fixture, Stratford Ladies Purples met BDR.  Purples short on players this week had 2 players play up from Blues - both Alice Linley and Bobbi Sands had played in the early fixture.  After a full game at 10am, Bobbi came on as sub, but still picked up the players' award.  BDR managed their best result against Purples of the season by far.  The winning score on this occasion was below half the tally for Purples on both the previous meetings. Purples maintain their 3rd position with BDR slipping from 8th to 9th.

Thunderbirds 5 met Trust Helping Hands.  Without a point on the board, these girls treat each game with the same determination and positivity.  Their pre-match team talk consisting of the fact that they were not starting the game with defeat in mind, but focusing on what positives they could take from the game.  *Umpire happened to overhear this and admired their positive attitude.  T5 took the lead in the first quarter being the first side to score.  The whole game they continued to work hard and enjoy the game.  2 more newly registered players - Poppy Gardener playing GA & WA, and Fauna Evans at WD - new to the league, new to the game but kept her head up, kept working with the support and encouragement of her team mates - the umpires chose her as their player of the match.  The vastly improved team did indeed take positives from the game - not only was it a hugely enjoyable and sociable game for both teams, but T5 scored more and conceded less than on both previous meeting with Trust.

In the final fixture of the week, Shooters Sparks met Thunderbirds 1.  Each meeting between these sides have been close, with Thunderbirds just taking the win on each occasion.  Bella Wilson had a great game for Sparks at WA, taking both the umpires' and oppositions award.  Lolita Galvin at C for Thunderbirds took the umpires' award, and Olivia Bollons at GA the oppositions'.  A close game once again, Sparks take 2 points from the match - totalling 5 from their fixtures over the season despite no win. The 5 points for T1 mean they creep up the league table by 2 positions, going ahead of BDR and T2.

Players of the match awards:

• Thunderbirds 3: Umpires' player - Millie O'Connor, Players' player - Abi Francis 
• Shooters Flames: Umpires' player - Naomi Parker, Players' player - Jemma Moore
• Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' player - Beth Griffiths, Players' player - Sam Murdoch
• Thunderbirds 2: Umpires' and players' player - Holly Binks
• Thunderbirds 4: Umpires' player - Beth Phillips, Players' player - Megan Rogers
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' player: Becky Fernandes-Green, Players' player = Alma Warburton
• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Phindi Nduna, Players' player - Bobbi Sands
• BDR: Umpires' player - Helen Handy, Players' player - Ashlee Powell
• Thunderbirds 5: Umpires' player - Fauna Evans, Players' player - Olivia Clayton
• Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' player - Hollie Jones, Players' player - Kate Halden
• Shooters Sparks: Umpires' and players' player - Bella Wilson
• Thunderbirds 1: Umpires' player - Lolita Galvin, Players' player - Oliva Bollons

Shooters Flames 41 Stratford Ladies Purples 31
BDR 27 Trust Helping Hands 38
Thunderbirds 2 26 Comets Tornadoes 45
Thunderbirds 1 18 Stratford Ladies Blues 51
Shooters Sparks 67 Thunderbirds 4 13

Thunderbirds 3 v Thunderbirds 5 - T5 conceded the match

After a long break with half term and storms to contend with, we were pleased to have a bright and dry morning on Sunday to get fixtures played.  2nd and 3rd placed Shooters Flames and Stratford Ladies Purples met in the early game - pictured before the match.  Strong shooting from both teams led them each to recognise their opponents' GA for the player awards - Dani Sutton for Flames and Laura Urquhart for Purples.  The umpires also chose the same position for their player awards - Jemma Moore, C for Flames and Emily Holmes, C for Purples.  The third and final fixture of the season between these teams and Flames take the decider.  The first meeting Purples took the win by just 1 goal, the second was a very similar scoreline to this week's match with Flames taking the win to maintain their 2nd position in the league table.

BDR took on Trust Helping Hands in a particularly sociable game thoroughly enjoyed by both teams.  Charlotte Harris GS for Trust was on strong form earning her the oppositions' player award.  Ably marked by GK from BDR - Ildi Booth, who Trust chose as their player award.  The umpires also looked to the BDR defence giving Jenny Darby, GD their award.  Nannett Gordon for Trust, playing half the game at C and half at WA took the umpires' award for her general all court support.

The final early game was between Thunderbirds 2 and Comets Tornadoes.  Comets made a strong start taking the first quarter 17 goals to 6.  Thunderbirds had their best period in the 2nd quarter closing the gap to just 5 by winning the period by 10 goals to 4.  However Comets picked up the pace again in the 2nd half to take the win, with Thunderbirds earning a point from the game.  

The late games saw Thunderbirds 1 take on league leaders Stratford Ladies Blues.  Thunderbirds struggled to take advantage of the extra player in the first 3 quarters of the match as Blues waited for support from Amy Attardo travelling from playing another local match.  Thunderbirds tried different approaches to maximising the extra player, but the experience of Blues made it hard for them.  Bobbi Sands at GS for Blues provided good solid support for her team creating and converting lots of scoring opportunities, and Sophie Amplett at GK also had a strong game making it tough for Thunderbirds to convert their chances.  Mother and daughter took to the court together for Thunderbirds with Kizzy Galvin playing up from T2 with daughter Lolita.. making for interesting on court support / discussions between the two :) Kizzy supported the younger team mid court but later took a shooting position and scored some nice goals for them.  The 5 points for Blues keeps them 2 points clear at the top.

The final game of the week saw Shooters Sparks take on Thunderbirds 4.  The first 2 meetings between these teams saw Sparks win by just 5 and 9 goals respectively.  However, they took a commanding win on this occasion with a goal difference of 54!  They had 2 subs so fresh legs to go with their greater experience, and Thunderbirds just having a straight 7 struggled to keep up.  The win for Sparks keeps them within 9 points of Trust in 5th place just above them, and who they will meet in the intergroup games in 2 weeks time.

Player awards

• Shooters Flames: Umpires' player - Jemma Moore, Players' player - Danni Sutton
• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires player - Emily Holmes, Players' player - Laura Urquhart
• BDR: Umpires' player Jenny Darby, Players' player - Ildi Booth
• Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' player - Nannett Gordon, Players' player - Charlotte Harris
• Thunderbirds 2: Umpires' player Lauren Simmonds, Players' player - Ellie Heron
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' and players' player - Molly Paish
• Thunderbirds 1: Umpires' player - Freya Richardson, Players' player - Issy Owrid
• Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' and players' player - Bobbi Sands
• Shooters Sparks: Umpires' player - Lorraine Whitmore, Players' player - Beth Morgan
• Thunderbirds 4: Umpires' player - Jasmyn Thomas, Players' player - Megan Rogers

• Thunderbirds 3 12 BDR 44
• Stratford Ladies Blues 45 Comets Tornadoes 18
• Shooters Sparks 37 Thunderbirds 2 21 *
• Stratford Ladies Purples 50 Trust Helping Hands 45
• Thunderbirds 5 6 Shooters Flames 69
• Thunderbirds 4 19 Thunderbirds 1 42 *

Thunderbirds 3 made a slow start against BDR with just one goal in the first quarter.  They made some some great mid court play but struggled against the height of the BDR team.  They continued to work on finding a way to work the ball into the circle to create shooting opportunities.  Ami Mertens-Dixon, GA for BDR, was on great form and didn't miss many of their opportunities despite strong defence from Hannah Cumberworth - opposition's player.  Thunderbirds picked up their scoring later in the game with the final quarter being their strongest.

League leaders Stratford Ladies Blues met Comets Tornadoes.  Sam Murdoch on continued form at GA for Stratford Ladies provided great support for her team mid court and in the circle and took both player awards.  Her opposite - Katie Irgin at GD for Comets - picked up the oppositions' player award.  A strong defensive effort from Helen Williams and Annie Bradley for Stratford meant that Comets managed to score less against them than their last meeting

Shooters Sparks met Thunderbirds 2. Kayleigh Seys picked up opposition's player despite playing at the other end of the court to normal - GS this week rather than GK.  Kizzy Galvin played a strong game at C for Thunderbirds and took the opposition's player award.  

Training mates Stratford Ladies Purples and Trust met in the first late game of the weekend.  The game was end to end throughout with the score remaining tight during each quarter, often just 1 or 2 goals separating the teams.  Great shooting from Rebecca England for Stratford Ladies and newly registered Hannah Savidge for Trust making the most of scoring opportunities.  Great defensive performances from both teams too with both GD's being recognised for player awards, Hollie Jones for Trust and Phindie Nduna for Stratford Ladies.  Both teams thoroughly enjoyed the match and Trust were very happy to take 2 points.  See pre match photo.

Thunderbirds 5 were delighted with their progress against Shooters Flames.  They conceded 23 fewer goals to them on this occasion and also scored 2 more themselves.  Lindsay Ampuller supported her team well from midcourt to do so, picking up both player awards.  Great progress girls, and the perfect attitude to the game!

The Thunderbirds derby was between team 4 and team 1.  Team 1 showed their advantage and extended the goal difference upon their last meeting.  Team 4 had no subs to support them in bringing on fresh legs but performed well either end of the court with Sienna Mac GA and Sofia French GK picking up the player awards.  While Frankie Benjamin GD for T1 took both awards for her team.

• Thunderbirds 3: Umpires' player - Eve Green, Players' player - Hannah Cumberworth
• BDR: Umpires' player - Ami Mertens
• Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' & Players' player - Sam Murdoch.
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' player - Molly Paish, Players' player - Katie Irgin
• Shooters Sparks: Umpires' player - Lorraine Whitmore, Players' player - Kayleigh Seys
• Thunderbirds 2: Umpires' player - Mia Coles, Players' player - Kizzy Galvin
• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Phindie Nduna
• Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' player - Rachel Goodman, Players' player - Hollie Jones
• Thunderbirds 5: Umpires' & players' player - Lindsay Ampuller
• Shooters Flames: Umpires' player - Dannie Sutton, Players' player - Anna McDonagh
• Thunderbirds 4: Umpires' player - Sofia French, Players' player - Sienna Mac
• Thunderbirds 1: Umpires' & players' player - Frankie Benjamin

* Matches finished with these scores, but different scores recorded due to league rule infringement

Shooters Flames 44 Thunderbirds 3 11
Thunderbirds 2 34 Stratford Ladies Blues 43
Comets Tornadoes 71 Thunderbirds 4 14
BDR 18 Stratford Ladies Purples 63
Trust Helping Hands 64 Thunderbirds 5 2
Thunderbirds 1 23 Shooters Sparks 14

A cold morning saw the last matches of the 2nd round play out this Sunday.  2nd placed Shooters Flames took on Thunderbirds 3 in the early fixture.  The Thunderbirds team did well against the on form Flames side.  Hannah Cumberworth at GS helped her side improve their tally against Flames from the last meeting, her efforts gaining recognition from both umpires and her opposition.  Dannie Sutton at GA for Flames picked up the players' award for a strong game.  However, the Thunderbirds defence put in a good shift as they managed to reduce Flames' goal tally by over 40% from their match in the first round.  

Thunderbirds 2 met league leaders Stratford Ladies Blues.  The mid table team were on form and brought the game to Blues from the first whistle.  With Ellie Lees as a reliable presence in the shooting circle throughout the match, Thunderbirds won the first quarter 9 - 7.  The second quarter remained tight with Blues just nudging ahead going into half time with a 3 goal advantage.  In the 2nd half, Sam Murdoch at GA for Blues, really came into form creating and converting scoring opportunities and Blues began to pull away.  Her impact on the game was recognised by her opposition with the players' award.  Mia Coles was strong in defence at GK for Thunderbirds getting crucial interceptions for her side and making life difficult for the Blues' shooters, noted by both the umpires and the opposition.  5 points for the win keeps Blues 3 points clear of Flames .. who they meet next week in the intergroup matches for a crucial top of the table clash!

Comets Tornadoes took on Thunderbirds 4 in the final early fixture.  Solid shooting from the Comets side saw them notch up their highest score of the season to date.  Both sides benefited from great all court support from their C players with Molly Paish for Comets and Olivia Peachey for Thunderbirds earning the umpires' awards.  

In the late fixtures, BDR met Stratford Ladies Purples.  Purples maintained their consistency in clocking up a good tally of goals [They have the highest average match score in the league] Umpires' choice Laura Urquhart at GA helping them keep this match above their match average.  Helen Handy, GK for BDR, impressed both opposition and umpires' in her attempt to keep that scoreline down.  The win keeps Purples in equal third place, tied on points with Comets Tornadoes who they play next week in the intergroup matches.

Trust Helping Hands met Thunderbirds 5.  Despite managing their lowest score of the season, the young side were notably improved from their first meeting and were a pleasure to play against and umpire showing determination and great sporting spirit.  Emilia Sturt was a strong presence in the shooting circle using her space well and coming out to support her team in the goal third, hence earning herself the umpires' award.  Liv Clayton impressed her opponents with her consistency in different positions for her team and the contribution she made across the court.

Thunderbirds 1 took on Shooters Sparks in the final fixture.  Sparks have had a good run and would therefore have come into the game with confidence.  The Thunderbirds side had 2 players playing up from lower teams and so not their normal squad.  GD was a key position for both teams, represented in the player awards - Lily Edwards, GD for Thunderbirds took the umpires' award, Pip Ireland GD for Sparks took the oppositions' award with the other umpires' award going to Mimi Rouse, Sparks' sub who also played GD.  

Player of the match awards

• Shooters Flames: Umpires' player - Scarlett Hitchman, Players' player - Dannie Sutton
• Thunderbirds 3: Umpires' & players' player - Hannah Cumberworth
• Thunderbirds 2: Umpires' & players' player - Mia Coles
• Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' player - Annie Bradley, Players' player - Sam Murdoch
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' player - Molly Paish, Players' player - Alma Warburton
• Thunderbirds 4: Umpires' player - Olivia Peachey, Players' player - Tilly Pettitt
• BDR: Umpires' & Players' player - Helen Handy
• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Laura Urquhart, Players' player - Alice Linley
• Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' & players' player - Rachel Goodman
• Thunderbirds 5: Umpires' player - Emilia Sturt, Players' player - Liv Clayton
• Thunderbirds 1: Umpires' player - Lily Edwards, Players' player - Issy Owrid
• Shooters Sparks: Umpires player - Mimi Rouse, Players' player - Pip Ireland

• Stratford Ladies Purples 30 Shooters Flames 42
• Stratford Ladies Blues 55 Thunderbirds 1 15
• Comets Tornadoes 42 Thunderbirds 2 38
• Thunderbirds 5 22 Thunderbirds 3 46
• Trust 38 BDR 19
• Thunderbirds 4 16 Shooters Sparks 27

The teams were back on court on Sunday morning raring to go after the Christmas break. The early match between Stratford Ladies Purples and Shooters Flames saw both teams playing well in a competitive and friendly match. Shooters Flames worked their socks off with great shooting from Danielle Sutton from the warm up and throughout the match earning her the players’ player award. Despite great defence by Stratford Ladies Purples, particularly Alice Linley who was playing up, Shooters Flames took the win and 5 points.

Stratford Ladies Blues were also in action against Thunderbirds 1, taking a comfortable win 55-15 and 5 points.  Both players’ choices went to the centres recognising the strong midcourt support of Amy Towne – C for Stratford Ladies Blues - and Freya Richardson – C for Thunderbirds 1, who also received the umpires’ player award.

The final early fixture was a closely fought contest between Comets Tornadoes and Thunderbirds 2. Thunderbirds 2 started strongly and led by 6 goals in the first quarter. Comets Tornadoes fought hard to level the scores at 20 all at half time. With great shooting from Vic Bean and Ellie Lees, who received umpires’ player, Thunderbirds 2 led by one goal in the third quarter. In a close final quarter, Comets Tornadoes took the lead and won 42-38, with Mollie Paish – C for Comets Tornadoes – deservedly taking players’ and umpires’ player.

The late fixtures saw Thunderbirds 5 take on Thunderbirds 3. Both teams played well with players’ and umpires’ awards distributed across attack, mid-court and defence players. While Thunderbirds 3 took the win, Thunderbirds 5 improved the goal difference from their last meeting and were agonisingly close to taking their first point from a match - just ONE more goal would have put them within half of the winning score and earned them a point!Meanwhile Trust played a strong game against BDR. BDR took the lead in the first quarter. Both teams defended well with Helen Handy – GK for BDR - taking the umpires’ player and Hollie Jones – GD for Trust – taking the players’ and umpires’ award. Trust made a great come back and took the lead from the second quarter and won the game. Ami Mertens-Dixon’s excellent shooting ensured BDR took away one point. 

Thunderbirds 4 faced Shooters Sparks in a close game. Thunderbirds 4 took the lead in the first quarter, leading by one goal. Shooters Sparks took the lead in the second quarter. Both teams intercepted well and seized opportunities with great mid court support from both centres. Shooters Sparks extended their lead in the third and final quarters taking away 5 points, with Thunderbirds 4 taking a valuable point.

Player of the match awards:

• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' and players' player – Alice Linley
• Shooters Flames: Players’ player – D Sutton, Umpires’ player – Jemma Moore
• Stratford Ladies Blues: Players’ player – Amy Towne, Umpires’ player – Anastacia Bradley
• Thunderbirds 1: Umpires' and players' player – Freya Richardson
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' and players' player – Mollie Paish
• Thunderbirds 2: Players’ player – Carolyn Stacey, Umpires’ player – Ellie Lees
• Thunderbirds 5: Players’ player – Alice Southall, Umpires’ player – Lindsay Ampuller
• Thunderbirds 3: Players’ player – Lizzie Chute, Umpires’ player – Louise Tarmey
• Trust: Umpires' and players' player – Hollie Jones
• BDR: Players’ player - Ami Mertens-Dixon, Umpires’ player – Helen Handy
• Thunderbirds 4: Umpires' and players' player – Olivia Peachey
• Shooters Sparks: Players’ player – Laura Tolley, Umpires’ player – Isabella Wilson

• ​Shooters Flames 45 Trust Helping Hands 24
• Stratford Ladies Purples 47 Thunderbirds 3 21
• Thunderbirds 1 17 Comets Tornadoes 42
• BDR 60 Thunderbirds 5 8
• Thunderbirds 2 36 Thunderbirds 4 18
• Stratford Ladies Blues 34 Shooters Sparks 28

The final matches of the year were played out on a cold morning this weekend.  Shooters Flames met Trust Helping Hands in the early game.  The 2nd placed team beat Trust by just 3 goals on their first meeting earlier in the season.  This time around they demonstrated their class from the outset, their coaching and team effort evident across the court.  Their passing in and around the shooting circle was quick and efficient, and mid court they used 'give and go' passing to great effect.  Their speed and accuracy left Trust chasing the game from the first quarter.  Some excellent shots in the final quarter from Trust's Vicky Harrison closed the gap a little and ensured Trust took a point from the match.

Stratford Ladies Purples met Thunderbirds 3.  They began the match with just 6 players and the Thunderbirds side worked hard to capitalise on this advantage.  With Sam Murdoch arriving for the later part of the game to bring Stratford back to full strength, the 3rd placed team managed to keep ahead and take the 5 points.  Captain Poppy Paylor at C for Thunderbirds gave a strong performance supporting her team across the court and picking up the player award from both the umpires and the opposition.  Thunderbirds performance secured them a point for keeping within half the winning score.

Thunderbirds 1 met 4th placed Comets Tornadoes.  With 3 players playing up for the team, they were not their familiar squad but they took on the match with positivity as every week.  Freya Richardson at C gave the team great cross court support and picked up the oppositions award, while Frankie Benjamin at GD caught the eye of the umpires.  The umpires also picked out Comets' GD for their award in the form of Lottie Mayers and her strong defensive performance.  

In the late games BDR met Thunderbirds 5.  The Thunderbirds team bringing a positive aim to the 2nd round matches to target the score from the first round.  Captain Lindsay Ampuller anchored her team well throughout playing at C and WA and moving the ball throughout the court.  Liv Clayton showed her adaptability playing at WA, GA & C and contributing well in each position.  Milly Sturt impressed at both ends of the court playing 2 quarters in the defensive circle and also having a strong presence at GS for the last quarter, her performance picking up the oppositions award.  The umpires' selected Alice Southall for their award as she was consistent throughout the match but really made a difference with some excellent shots in the final quarter - during which the team scored 5 of their 8 goals!  Chloe Hancox took the umpires' award for BDR for her consistent effort throughout the game, whilst Thunderbirds awarded the player award to Kate Wallace who, playing mid court, took a tumble and bashed her face quite badly yet came back on later in the game not letting the fall affect her game.

The Thunderbirds derby was between Teams 2 and 4.  Lauren Simmonds at GD for Team 2 used her height, all round skill and determination to good effect, and impressed both the umpires and opposition picking up both player awards.  Five players on court were playing their 2nd match of the morning.  Holly Roberts for Team 2, having just played up for Team 1 and for Team 4, Sophia French and Mica Grace who also played up for Team 1, and Olivia Peachey and Maddy Phillips who played up for Team 3.  Team 4 captain, Tilly Pettitt at WA, led her team to keep within half the winning score of their more experienced stable mates and picked up well earned umpires' and opposition's players awards.

League leaders Stratford Ladies Blues met Shooters Sparks.  6th placed Sparks brought the game to Blues from the outset winning the first quarter by 10 goals to 5.  The 2nd quarter saw Blues pick up the pace and scoring 13 goals in that period they took a 3 goal lead into half time.  The 3rd quarter was drawn with both teams scoring just 5 goals.. equally, in the final quarter both teams scored 10 goals.  Blues won it in that 2nd quarter!  Sparks narrowly missing out on 2 points losing by just 6 goals, but taking a well earned point from the match.  A great performance for them against the league leaders!

Player of the match awards:​

• Shooters Flames: Umpires' player - Jemma Moore, Players' player - Sian Betteridge
• Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' player - Rachel Goodman, Players' player - Vicky Harrison
• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Laura Urquhart, Players' player - Sarah Bartley
• Thunderbirds 3: Umpires' and players' player - Poppy Paylor
• Thunderbirds 1: Umpires' player - Frankie Benjamin, Players' player - Freya Richardson
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' player - Sophie Hodges, Players' player - Alma Warburton
• BDR: Umpires' players - Chloe Hancox, Players' player - Kate Wallace
• Thunderbirds 5: Umpires' player - Alice Southall, Players' player - Emilia Sturt
• Thunderbirds 2: Umpires' and players' player - Lauren Simmonds
• Thunderbirds 4: Umpires' and players' player - Tilly Pettitt
• Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' player - Sophie Amphlett, Players' player - Helen Williams
• Shooters Sparks: Umpires' player - Kara Cooke, Players' player - Laura Tolley

​Thunderbirds 5 5 Stratford Ladies Purples 82
Thunderbirds 3 9 Trust Helping Hands 54
Shooters Sparks 24 Comets Tornadoes 28
BDR 16 Shooters Flames 44
Thunderbirds 4 15 Stratford Ladies Blues 58
Thunderbirds 1 23 Thunderbirds 2 33

Thunderbirds 5 went into their match against Stratford Ladies Purples with the goal of not conceding as many goals as at their last meeting. Alex Vedy did not play in the first fixture against Purples but certainly made her mark in this one giving strength in defence. Esme Fereday played in various positions for Thunderbirds and contributed well to their overall performance.  Liv Clayton at GA impressed both the umpires and the opposition ... reflected in the fact that Phindie Nduna, GD for Purples, also picked up both player awards.  Thunderbirds didn't quite achieve their goal, but Purples only scored 3 more against them on this occasion so 

On the next court Thunderbirds 3 took on Trust Helping Hands.  Thunderbirds played an adaptable game, with players changing position and mixing up the play.  Their team spirit and determination was evident  throughout the match, in no small part driven by their 8th player on the sidelines in the form of team manager, Alex Burnard, providing support and encouragement at all times.  Captain Poppy Paylor was strong in mid court, playing different positions, and providing all round support for her team, earning her the opposition's player award.  Hannah Cumberworth in defence was effective at getting some fantastic interceptions both in mid court and in the circle, and deserved her umpires' award.  Rachel Goodman worked hard for Trust at C and picked up both player awards, while Charlotte Harris at GS had her strongest game for the team to date.  A thoroughly enjoyable game for all concerned.  Not to exclude umpire Beth Pickering, who was observed by an assessor and passed her C award pre-assessment - so congratulations to her!

The final early game between Shooters Sparks and Comets Tornadoes was a much closer affair.  Comets, as last week against Sparks' club mates Flames, were a player short and so had to drop a wing and play with 6.  Credit to them that 2 weeks running they have been involved in super tight matches while at a squad disadvantage.  Comets' GD, Helen Mellor, effectively took Sparks' GA, Lorraine Whitmore out of the game with her strong defensive game - earning her the umpires' player award.  Sparks benefited from the return of GS Bex Heath in her first match of the season.  She and Katy Cwojdzinski at GD provided the team with great vocal support from each end of the court and the team worked well together across the court to keep the score within 4 of Comets' winning total earning Sparks 2 well deserved points.  

BDR met 2nd placed Shooters Flames in the late match.  Flames' defensive partnership of Karen Philpott and Scarlett Hitchman made life difficult for BDR in the circle making interceptions and forcing the held ball and getting critical turnovers.  Ami Mertens-Dixon at GS for BDR impressed the umpires with her effectiveness in the circle despite the defensive pressure.  At the other end of the court, Flames' attack were on form in the shape of Dannie Sutton and Sian Betteridge, with Dannie picking up both the umpires' and the opposition's player awards.

Thunderbirds 4 took on top of the table Stratford Ladies Blues.  They took the game to Blues and did not give up at any point.  Holly Binks started the game at GD but moved to GA.  Marked by strong defensive player Helen Williams, she was not phased and used skill and technique to create shooting opportunities and made some excellent shots in the process.  Tilly Pettitt at WA for Thunderbirds also played a strong game as captain, leading her team well on court and providing great mid court support.  The win for Blues keeps them 3 points clear at the top.

The Thunderbirds derby game between teams 1 & 2 was the final late game of the weekend.  Team 2 kept Team 1 to one of their lowest scoring matches of the season so far supported by a strong performance by Mia Coles at GD who picked up the umpires' award.  Evie Allwood at GS for Team 1 gave a strong performance noted by the umpires.  The win and 5 points for Team 2 moves them up the table, hopping above Shooters Sparks.

• Thunderbirds 5: Umpires' and players' player - Liv Clayton
• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' and players' player - Phindiwe Nduna
• Thunderbirds 3: Umpires' player - Hannah Cumberworth
• Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' and players' player - Rachel Goodman
• Shooters Sparks: Umpires' player - Kara Cooke, Players' player - Bex Heath
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' player - Ella Kirby, Players' player - Helen Mellor
• BDR: Umpires' player - Ami Mertens-Dixon, Players' player - Ildi Booth
• Shooters Flames: Umpires' and players' player - Dannie Sutton
• Thunderbirds 4: Umpires' players - Holly Binks, Players' player - Tilly Pettitt
• Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' player - Sam Murdoch, Players' player - Beth Pickering
• Thunderbirds 1: Umpires' player - Evie Allwood, Players' player - Freya Richardson
• Thunderbirds 2: Umpires' player - Mia Coles, Player's player - Holly Roberts

Thunderbirds 5 8 Thunderbirds 4 50
Shooters Flames 41 Comets Tornadoes 34
BDR 20 Thunderbirds 2 48
Stratford Ladies Purples 34 Stratford Ladies Blues 42
Thunderbirds 3 14 Shooters Sparks 53
Trust Helping Hands 48 Thunderbirds 1 29

With some pretty awful wet weather in the week, teams were grateful for a rain free morning in Alcester to play the intergroup matches.  With 12 teams competing in the league, matches are played out across two mixed ability groups.  After each round of group matches, the top placed team in each group play each other, 2nd v 2nd and so on.  So interesting matches for each team this week as they meet their 'seeded' team.

Thunderbirds 5 and Thunderbirds 4 met in the early game, both teams yet to pick up a win.  Team 5's GA, Alice Southall, was awarded the umpires' player award for her strong performance.  Their captain, Lindsay Ampuller, came on as sub and impressed with her mid court play at C with the opposition recognising her efforts.  Maddy Phillips GS for Team 4 had great movement around the shooting circle.  Yet it was Mica Grace who started at GK for them who picked up both the umpires' and players' award.  She showed great adaptability playing at both GK and GS and performing well at each end of the court.  Team 4's enthusiasm remained steadfast and they kept their heads down despite the scoreline.  Team 4's win and subsequent 5 points lifts them above their third team in the table.

Shooters Flames and Comets Tornadoes - 4th and 3rd places in the league respectively - also met in the early game.  Comets unfortunately were short and played the match with just 6, dropping a wing leaving their centre court game potentially exposed.  Molly Paish at C for Comets responded to this challenge putting in a great performance and earning her both umpires' and players' award.  Despite being a player down, Comets kept at Flames throughout the match, the scoreline remaining close through each quarter.  Flames showed strength in defence, forcing turnovers at vital times - Karen Philpott at GD picked up umpire and player recognition also.  With some excellent shots in the last quarter, Flames managed to pull away and win by 7 goals, which given they have not taken 5 points from Comets before this weekend was an achievement.  The points take Flames up to 2nd place.  Comets with a well deserved point drop to 3rd on goal difference.

BDR and Thunderbirds 2 met in the final early game.  Thunderbirds took a strong lead in the first quarter, coming into the interval 9 goals ahead.  BDR had a stronger quarter in the 2nd, with Thunderbirds winning that period by just 1 goal.  The game progressed with Thunderbirds maintaining their lead with some excellent work in the circle from Ellie Lees at GS - the umpires and her opposition awarding her the player award.  The game was played out with such fun and support between teammates and opposition and was a true example of how sociable the game can be.  Players and umpires alike thoroughly enjoyed the match from start to finish.  Thunderbirds took the 5 points for the win, moving them up 2 positions in the league table.

First and second place teams met in the Stratford Ladies derby match.  Both Purples and Blues have won all of their matches to this point with just goal difference separating them and putting Purples on top of the league before this week's meeting.  Inevitably a close game to enjoy - for the neutral at least!  Blues made a strong start coming into the first interval with a 6 goal lead.  Purples won the second quarter 10 goals to 8 and closed the gap by 2 to just 4 goals.  The 3rd period saw Blues have their best quarter netting 14 goals and Purples dropped behind, the difference now 12 goals.  Purples had a strong final quarter, winning that period by 12 goals to 8 but it merely closed the gap and wasn't enough to take the win.  Sam Murdoch at GA for Blues was on top form not believed to have missed a shot!  New to the club, but regular partnership of Helen Williams and Beth Pickering in defence for Blues also made life difficult for Purples in their shooting circle with some excellent blocking.  Both teams had a strong midcourt game with lots of tips and interceptions.  The win for Blues puts them 3 points clear at the top of the table and Purples drop down to 3rd position.  Will they meet each other again in the next intergroup matches?!

Thunderbirds 3 played Shooters Sparks in the later game.  2 players took the court in this match for their 2nd hour of netball of the morning.  Olivia Burnard for Thunderbirds having played up for Team 2 in the early fixture, and Katy Cwojdszinski for Sparks having played up for Flames earlier too.  Thunderbirds' captain Eve Green's mid court play at C caught the eye of the opposition, while Hannah Cumberworth's strength in the circle at GS impressed the umpires for their award.  Another impressive moment noted by the umpires.. Lizzie Chute, Thunderbirds' WA, passed the ball 'across' the D but it went through the net - no goal scored as not an eligible shot but a pretty extraordinary moment that threw most players on court!   Sparks were focused on their positive play with good communication across the court and made some great interceptions and turn overs, good through court play finished with some on form shooting.  In picking up the 5 points for the win, they clocked up their highest ever goal tally since joining the league, improving on their previous record by 4 goals.  The win moves them 2 places up the table before the next round of group matches.

The final game of the morning was between Trust Helping Hands and Thunderbirds 1.  Trust knew not to underestimate the young team who are driven and clearly train together as a team putting this into play in matches.  The game was well fought throughout, with Thunderbirds particularly having a strong first quarter.  Trust responded to this and dug in tightening up the defence and benefiting from some great shooting from their GS Holly Jackson who was hard for the Thunderbirds defence to prevent from netting when she had possession.  Lolita Galvin at C for Thunderbirds provided excellent mid court support throughout, and some great shooting from captain Olivia Bollons and Evie Allwood helped the team keep the pressure on Trust and they picked up a well earned point at the final whistle for being within half of the winning score.

• Thunderbirds 5: Umpires' player - Alice Southall, Players' player - Lindsay Ampuller
• Thunderbirds 4: Umpires' and players' player - Michaela Grace
• Shooters Flames: Umpires' and players' player - Karen Philpott
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' and players' player - Molly Paish
• BDR: Umpires' player - Andrea Hancox, Players' player - Bev Wilson
• Thunderbirds 2: Umpires and players' player - Ellie Lees
• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Zoe Bell, Players' player - Beth Griffiths
• Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' and players' player - Sam Murdoch
• Thunderbirds 3: Umpires' player - Hannah Cumberworth, Players' player - Eve Green
• Shooters Sparks: Umpires' player - Amelia Rouse, Players' player - Katy Cwojdzinski
• Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' player - Hollie Jones, Players' player - Holly Jackson/Ange Sinclair

​Thunderbirds 3 8 Shooters Flames 75
Stratford Ladies Blues 67 Thunderbirds 2 19
Thunderbirds 4 23 Comets Tornadoes 64
Stratford Ladies Purples 61 BDR 9
Thunderbirds 5 7 Trust Helping Hands 65
Shooters Sparks 28 Thunderbirds 1 30

A damp autumnal morning for this week's matches, meaning cautious play required with leaves on the courts hard to clear.  Thunderbirds 3 met an on form Shooters Flames.  Despite the high score against them, the young team did not let the score line get their heads down one bit.  Their opposition commended them on being a lovely team to play and on their attitude to the game.  Flames players moved positions a lot throughout the game showing their versatility across the court and clocking up an impressive goal tally for the win - their 2nd quarter being the most prolific with 23 goals in the 15 minute period! 

Stratford Ladies Blues met Thunderbirds' 2nd team on the neighbouring court.  Stratford took an early lead, but Thunderbirds also scored well in the first quarter getting 7 of their 19 goals before the first interval.  Stratford built on the the lead and increased their quarterly goal tally each period.  Bobbi Sands, GS for Stratford, was strong in the circle throughout the match holding her position well and consistently making the ball hers in the circle from feeds or rebounds.  Kizzy Galvin played in different positions for Thunderbirds but consistently rallied her team forward whichever bib she had on at the time earning her the umpires' recognition for the match.  Blues take the 5 points and continue to keep the pressure on Purples in top spot.

Shooters Flames 26 Stratford Ladies Purples 27
Thunderbirds 2 41 Comets Tornadoes 45

BDR 28 Trust Helping Hands 16

Thunderbirds 3 38 Thunderbirds 5 11
Thunderbirds 1 26 Stratford Ladies Blues 36
Shooters Sparks 24 Thunderbirds 4 19

After the half term break, a dry but very autumnal morning saw teams back on court.  The early match between Shooters Flames and Stratford Ladies Purples was super close!  Purples took a healthy lead in the first quarter but Flames settled into their game and narrowed the gap in the second.  The game remained tight from then on.  Purples were disappointed with some basic errors in the final quarter and, just 2 behind in the last few minutes, Flames saw the opportunity to push forward for a draw or to sneak the win.  With just one goal separating the teams at the final whistle, Flames were frustrated to be so close but happy with a good result against the top of the table team and to take 2 well earned points.

Another close game played out between Thunderbirds 2 and Comets Tornadoes.  Umpires' players choices identified a great opposing partnership in the circle of Ellie Lees - GS for Thunderbirds - and Katie Irgin - GK for Comets.  The players awards were focused more on the midcourt support for both teams' WAs - Thunderbirds' Holly Binks and Molly Paish of Comets.  A well fought game ended with just 4 goals between them - 5 points for Comets and 2 for Thunderbirds.