​
Trust Helping Hands 38 Shooters Flames 41
Thunderbirds 3 15 Stratford Ladies Purples 59
Comets Tornadoes 48 Thunderbirds 1 21
Thunderbirds 5 10 BDR 51
Thunderbirds 4 17 Thunderbirds 2 33
Shooters Sparks 22 Stratford Ladies Blues 50

After last week's matches being postponed due to heavy rain, teams were treated to a bright, crisp morning on Sunday.  The early game between Trust Helping Hands and Shooters Flames was tightly contested from the start.  Flames opened up a good lead to begin with, leading by 8 goals at the first interval and by 7 at half time.  End to end action saw some excellent shooting by both teams.  Vicky Harrison for Trust scoring some outstanding long range goals, and well supported by Leonie Green.  Dannie Sutton for Flames also rarely missing, despite being matched by an excellent defensive performance from Trust newcomer Hollie Jones.  Dannie was supported in the circle by Naomi Parker and Sian Betteridge who also showed their adaptability in defence over the course of the match.  Trust pulled it back in the third quarter going into the interval just 4 goals down and managing to close the gap to 3 by the final whistle.  

Thunderbirds 3 met Stratford Ladies Purples on the next court.  While Purples took a comfortable win, the team of youngsters battled hard to notch up another impressive goal tally against strong opposition.  Thunderbirds' Hannah Cumberworth had a great game, gaining recognition from both the umpires and the opposition for her contribution to the game at GD.

Meanwhile Comets Tornadoes took on Thunderbirds' first team.  Becky Fernandes Green was on form and took both umpires' and opposition's player for her on target shooting for Comets.  Thunderbirds played well in mid court with Freya Richardson [C] and Lottie O'Connor [WD] taking the player awards.

In the late games, Thunderbirds 5 met BDR.  The young team were at a serious height disadvantage with BDR having tall players in their team even against the more senior teams.  However, they did not let this phase them and played their best to take the game to BDR.  They gained momentum as the match progressed, failing to score in the first quarter but picking that up to score 3 in the 2nd quarter.  Q3 being their best in the match where they picked up 6 goals.  Alice Southall at GS picked up opposition's player for her presence in the circle.  Her counterpart Ami Mertens-Dixon at GS for BDR picked up the umpires' award for her shooting consistency.

The Thunderbirds derby this week was Team 4 v Team 2.  With newly registered players, and a player from Team 5 playing up, Team 4 may have struggled with knowing each others' play.  However, they managed to nearly double their previous goal tally and earned a well deserved point for keeping within half of the winning score.

The final game saw Shooters Sparks take on Stratford Ladies Blues.  Blues gained a strong early lead with Sparks taking a while to gain momentum.  Sparks' strongest period was Q3 where they conceded just 9 goals.  Beth Morgan at GA for Sparks worked hard to keep their goal tally up and earned herself umpires' player award.  Both teams had new players on court this week with youngster Ani Bradley at GS for Blues and Libbie Fox at WD for Shooters - both making strong debuts for their teams.

Player of the match awards:

• Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' player - Hollie Jones, Players' player - Vicky Harrison
• Shooters Flames: Umpires' player - Dannie Sutton, Players' player - Sian Betteridge
• Thunderbirds 3: Umpires' and players' player - Hannah Cumberworth
• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Laura Urqhart, Players' player - Clare Peirson
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' and players' player - Becky Fernandes Green 
• Thunderbirds 1: Umpires' player - Freya Richardson, Players' player - Charlotte O'Connor
• Thunderbirds 5: Umpires' player - Olivia Clayton, Players' player - Alice Southall 
• BDR: Umpires' player - Ami Mertens-Dixon, Players' player - Jenny Darby
• Thunderbirds 4: Umpires' player - Tilly Pettitt, Players' player - Micaela Grace
• Thunderbirds 2: Umpires' player - Holly Binks, Players' player - Lauren Simmonds
• Shooters Sparks: Umpires' player - Bethany Morgan, Players' player - Laura Tolley
• Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' player - Amy Towne , Players' player - Emily Turoczy​

​Stratford Ladies Purples 79 Thunderbirds 5 9

Trust Helping Hands 51 Thunderbirds 3 17
Comets Tornadoes 38 Shooters Sparks 24
Shooters Flames 56 BDR 23
Stratford Ladies Blues 59 Thunderbirds 4 9
Thunderbirds 1 32 Thunderbirds 2 26

The season opened on a bright morning, which was definitely a positive position given the rain earlier in the week and forecasts that suggested the opening games may be postponed.  We welcomed 4 new Thunderbirds teams to the league, and will be playing at Alcester Grammar School across 3 courts all season.  The division of 12 will be played across two mixed ability groups of 6, which 3 intergroup matches across the season.

Stratford Ladies Purples met Thunderbirds 5.  The final score shows that the groups really are mixed ability with Purples taking a comfortable win.  However, the Thunderbirds youngsters kept their heads up for the entire game, setting their own targets.  Emilia Sturt at GA hardly missed her shots, helping her team score 9 goals against the defending champions which is a hugely positive start to their season. 

Trust Helping Hands also took a reasonably comfortable win against Thunderbirds 3.  However, the scoreline perhaps doesn't do the youth team justice.  Again, they did not give up and played to the final whistle with determination demonstrating their commitment to their training and working on their set plays and positioning throughout the match.

The final early game saw teams familiar with each other take each other on - Comets Tornadoes and Shooters Sparks.  Sparks had their fitness tested playing with no subs, but were happy with gaining a point from the Comets team for being within half of the winning score and reflecting on some great intercepts and good communication through the court.

In their late game, Shooters Flames welcomed the return from injury of their captain Jemma Moore who despite umpiring many games last season, didn't play once.  A positive return for her picking up both umpires' and opposition's player award.  Her counterpart for BDR, Chloe Hancox, also picked up both awards - a great introduction to the team for the youngster.  Flames made a positive start to the game scoring over 20 goals in the first quarter, allowing them to settle into the game and take a convincing victory.

Stratford Ladies Blues were another team playing with no subs available.  They welcomed new player Bobbi Sands who adapted to different positions well and supported her team to a comfortable win over the youth side, Thunderbirds 4.  Tilley Pettit, captain for Thunderbirds, was a consistent support to her team throughout the match and took a well earned recognition from the umpires despite not playing the final quarter.

The final match saw the top two Thunderbirds sides meet each other.  League regulars, Thunderbirds 2, were challenged by the club's first team and a tight game played out.  Competitive mother and daughter pairing, Kizzy and Lolita Galvin, matched each other at C, with Lolita's team taking the win by just 6 goals.  It will be interesting to see how this fixture plays out in the next round!


Player of the match awards

Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Emily Holmes, Players' player - Rebecca England
Thunderbirds 5: Umpires' player - Elin Gallagher, Players' player - Lindsay Ampuller
Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' player - Holly Jackson, Players' player - Rachel Goodman
Thunderbirds 3: Umpires' player - Poppy Paylor, Player's player - Eve Green
Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' player - Helen Mellor, Players' player - Ella Kirby
Shooters Sparks: Umpires' player - Katy Cwoidzinski, Players' player - Laura Tolley
Shooters Flames: Umpires' and players' player - Jemma Moore
BDR: Umpires' and players' player - Chloe Hancox
Thunderbirds 1: Umpires' player - Olivia Bollons, Players' player - Lolita Galvin
Thunderbirds 2: Umpires' player - Carolyn Stacey, Players' player - Yvie Manhood

• ​Pink Ladies 29 Thunderbirds 44
• Stratford Ladies Purples 36 Comets Tornadoes 30
• Trust Helping Hands 43 Shooters Sparks 22
• BDR conceded their match against Shooters Flames

On the final week of the season, only 3 matches were played due to a fixture list error by BDR.  Pink Ladies, after getting their first points on the table from the last match, met Thunderbirds who had just 6 players.  The umpires recognised both Centres for their contribution to the game - Charlotte Brooks for Pink Ladies and Carolyn Stacey for Thunderbirds.  Great shooting from Jo Haslam at GS for Pink Ladies [Opposition's player] kept them within half of Thunderbirds winning score getting a point on the board for the second match in a row.

The other early game between Stratford Ladies Purples and Comets Tornadoes was essentially the title decider.  A win for Stratford would see them take the league win, but if Comets were to win the title could be theirs.  Both teams had strength in their squads with 2 subs for each, and every single player brought their A game to court.  The match was tight from the first centre pass with neither team making many mistakes at all.  The first interval saw Stratford leading 9-6.  Comets stayed focused and draw level at 14-14 at half time.  Each team made good use of their subs, bringing fresh legs onto court throughout the game and mixing up positions.  By the third interval Stratford had got their nose ahead again by just one goal at 24-23.  A thoroughly enjoyable match for all the gathered spectators, the final quarter saw Stratford nudge ahead.  Comets kept pressing and whilst the gap in the score began to widen, it was as close as could be on court with Stratford just managing to capitalise on a few more opportunities than their opponents.  Molly Paish, having played consistently well at Centre for Comets throughout the match providing fantastic mid court support [Umpires' and opposition's player], took a bad fall with just seconds of the match to play and incurred a painful ankle injury.  Both teams decided to allow the score to stand and finished the match at that point.  A shame that such a great match between 2 incredibly competitive sides should end with an injury.  

Well done to both teams, as umpire I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed the whole game, as did the spectators that came out to support you both for the crucial last match of the season.  Congratulations to Stratford Ladies Purples, who are league champions and to their club mates Stratford Ladies Blues who take 2nd place.  In fact, Purples have had a very consistent season dropping points in just 2 games throughout - the only side to beat them? Blues!  Shooters Sparks, at the other end of the league table, managed a draw against them in November of last year - so well done to them for finding a chink in their armour!

So after the excitement of that match, there remained just one match of the season to play out.  Trust Helping Hands vs Shooters Sparks.  Trust had Kay Dawson back from injury and in the shooting circle supported by Holly Jackson [Opposition's player] and Vicky Lacey across the game - all scored some impressive goals.  Bex Heath also on form in the shooting circle for Sparks with some great shots and excellent movement around the circle.  Sparks showed structure in their game and made several interceptions throughout the game keeping the pressure on Trust.  They entirely deserved to take a point from the game for keeping within half of the winning score.  A thoroughly enjoyable game for all involved to round off the 18/19 season.  

Player of the match awards

• Pink Ladies: Umpires' player - Charlotte Brooks, Players' player - Jo Haslam
• Thunderbirds: Umpires' and players' player - Carolyn Stacey
• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Katie Barton, Players' player - Laura Urquhart
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' and players' player - Molly Paish 
• Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' player - Leonie Green, Players' player - Holly Jackson
• Shooters Sparks: Umpires' and players' player - Anna Philpott

• ​Trust Helping Hands 28 Stratford Ladies Blues 39
• BDR 28 Comets Tornadoes 44
• Thunderbirds 50 Shooters Flames 25
• Pink Ladies 43 Shooters Sparks 17

All teams were treated to a glorious morning to play out the penultimate games of the season.   4th placed Trust Helping Hands met with 2nd placed Stratford Ladies Blues.  A competitive game, Stratford had the lead from the first quarter assisted by great shooting from Jo Wish at GA [opposition's player].  Trust, without their normal centre player, adjusted positions across the game with both Rachel Goodman and Katie Desmond [opposition's player] taking the bib and playing with great effect.  Stratford won the first 2 quarters and took a 24 -11 lead into half time.  Trust had a strong 3rd quarter winning it 9 goals to 6, managing to get within 5 goals during the quarter, but Stratford were leading by 10 at the next interval.  Stratford held on to take the win and with a bye of the final week of the season, currently sit in 2nd position with nothing else they can do but see how things play out 7th April.

BDR met third place Comets Tornadoes in the early game.  Great shooting from Michelle Hastie [opposition's player] and Ami Mertens-Dixon [umpires' player] for BDR helped them keep their score within half to take a point from the game.  Comets took the win and 5 points to keep the pressure on at the top of the table.  In the final match of the season they will meet Stratford Ladies Purples, current league leaders, and the winners will be decided in that match!


Thunderbirds met Shooters Flames in the late game.  With excellent mid court support from Holly Roberts at WA [umpires' player] and Carolyn Stacey at WD [opposition's player], they put a strong performance against Shooters, who were one player short.  Pippa Corby at WA [umpires' player] worked hard to cover the deficit of the other wing, and the Shooters team managed to take a point from the game by scoring within half the winning score.  Both teams sitting mid table, the win for Thunderbirds closes the gap on Flames from 6 points to just 2 and so again, the final match could be crucial to their final league positions.

The final match saw Pink Ladies take on Shooters Sparks.  Both teams started with just 6 players, Pink Ladies started strong and took an early lead.  They were up to a full complement mid way through the first half when their final player arrived and took the court.  Jess Thwaites at WD [umpires' player] was a dominant force across the court for Pink Ladies making great interceptions, finding space and generally supporting the team.  They ended the first quarter with a 5 goal lead.  Lisa Blake shot consistently well for Pink Ladies throughout the match supported by Jo Haslam and Laura Joynes.  At half time, they had stretched their lead to 12 goals.  Shooters Sparks responded to the strength in the circle, bringing Charlotte Rhodes, their newly registered player, into the defensive circle to support Kayleigh Seys  [umpires' player]  However, by the third interval Pink Ladies were 19 goals ahead as they continued to grow in confidence and they ended the match winning by 26 goals.  A fantastic team performance earning them their first points of the season - well deserved ladies!  

Player awards:

Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' player - Leonie Green, Players' player - Katie Desmond
Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' player - Sam Murdoch, Players' player - Jo Wish
BDR: Umpires' player - Ami Mertens-Dixon, Players' player - Michelle Hastie
Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' player - Lucy Mellor, Players' player - Lottie Mayers
Thunderbirds: Umpires' player - Holly Roberts, Players' player - Carolyn Stacey
Shooters Flames: Umpires' player - Pippa Corby, Players' player - Scarlett Hitchman
Pink Ladies: Umpires' player - Jess Thwaites, Players' player - Jo Haslam
Shooters Sparks: Umpires' player - Kayleigh Seys, Players' player - Faye Ellery

• ​Shooters Flames 23 Comets Tornadoes 36
• BDR 18 Trust Helping Hands 48
• Thunderbirds 25 Stratford Ladies Blues 48
• Pink Ladies 21 Stratford Ladies Purples 60

Third place Comets Tornadoes met with Shooter Flames in the early match.  Flames were supported with a number of Sparks' players playing up on their bye week.  The game was well supported even on a brisk morning [as GK on the other court I was distracted by the encouragement from players and supporters alike on more than one occasion!]  A competitive match with lots of support is absolutely the aim of the game!  Shooters made great interceptions throughout, with Sian Betteridge covering the court well and providing great all round support at C [Opposition's player].  Robyn Beebe, playing up from Sparks at GD, took the umpires' award for a great defensive performance against Ella Kirby at GA for Comets who took the oppositions' player award for some great shooting.  Flames scored the exact same number of goals as the teams' previous meeting earlier in the season while Comets scored 4 fewer on this occasion; Flames taking a point for being within half of the winning score.

BDR met Trust Helping Hands on the other court.  The Trust team needing players to adapt to positions slightly as they were short on defensive players for the game.  The first quarter was tight, end to end goals and the score stayed within 1 goal to the first interval.  Trust, boosted by some excellent shooting from Holly Jackson [opposition's player] Vicky Lacey and Sally Morris who rotated the attacking positions between then, and fabulous centre court support from Rachel Goodman at WD [umpires' player], strengthened their lead after the first interval.  This despite excellent defensive work for BDR from both Jenny Darby at GD [umpires' player] and Debbie Mertens-Dixon at GK [opposition's player]  

In the later game, Thunderbirds met 2nd placed Stratford Ladies Blues.  Stratford, with an on form Jo Wish as GS [umpires' and opposition's player], took an early lead 11-5 in the first quarter.  The second quarter was drawn 8 all and Thunderbirds kept within 6 goals of Stratford.  Ellie Heron for Thunderbirds took a heavy fall and needed to come off for a blood stoppage.  A quick change around saw Carloyn Stacey move from GD to C, [umpires' player] and Rachel Hollis sub on to allow Ellie to patch herself up.  Stratford stretched their lead and went inot the third interval with 36 goals, double Thunderbirds' current tally. Ellie returned to the court and earned herself the opposition's player award; the final quarter stronger for Thunderbirds again and they closed the gap and bagged a well earned point for being over half the winning score.  

The final match of the week saw opposite ends of the league table meet as Pink Ladies took on Stratford Ladies Blues.  A strong performance from Pink Ladies saw them notch up one of their highest goal tallies of the season, despite strong opposition from the league leaders.  Stratford's shooting partnership of Rebecca England and Laura Urquhart [umpires' player] are tough to break down and the managed a great goal tally between them, despite the best efforts of Renae Hawkyard at GK for Pink Ladies [umpire's player] 

Player of the match awards:

Shooters Flames: Umpires' player - Sian Betteridge, Players' player - Robyn Beebe
Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' player - Lottie Mayers, Players' player - Ella Kirby
BDR: Umpires' player - Debbie Merten-Dixon, Players player - Jenny Darby
Trust Helping Hands: Umpire's player - Rachel Goodman, Players' player - Holly Jackson
Thunderbirds: Umpires' player - Carolyn Stacey, Players' player - Ellie Heron
Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' and players' player - Jo Wish
Pink Ladies: Umpires' player - Renae Hawkyard, Players' player - Jo Haslam
Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Laura Urquhart, Players' player - Emily Holmes

​Trust Helping Hands 53 Pink Ladies 25
Comets Tornadoes 43 Shooter Sparks 23
Stratford Ladies Blues 38 Shooters Flames 26

Comets Tornadoes made a strong start against Shooter Sparks in one of the early games on Sunday. With excellent attack and shooting, Tornadoes quickly took the lead, supported well by Helen Mellor (GD) and Lottie Mayers (GK) who were awarded umpire's player and player's player respectively. Sparks fought well with Amelia Rouse and Robyn Beebe putting in great performances. 

Trust Helping Hands played Pink Ladies in the second early fixture. With great defence and play in the centre third by Katie Desmond and Sarah Henderson respectively, Trust Helping Hands took the victory 53-25. 

There was only one late fixture because Thunderbirds conceded to Stratford Ladies Purples. Stratford Ladies Blues met Shooters Flames in the late game. Shooters Flames took the lead in the first quarter 10-6. Stratford Ladies Blues had a fantastic second quarter and stormed ahead 21-12. Both teams intercepted well and it was a hard fought match. Stratford Ladies stayed ahead winning 38-26.  

Player of the match awards:

• Trust Helping Hands:  Umpire's player -  Katie Desmond; Player's player - Sarah Henderson
• Pink Ladies:  Umpire's and Player's player - Jo Haslam
• Comets Tornadoes:  Umpire's player -  Helen Mellor ; Player's player - Lottie Mayers
• Shooter Sparks: Umpire's player - Amelia Rouse; Player's player - Robyn Beebe
• Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpire's player - Caroline Whitfield; Player's player - Amy Towne
• Shooters Flames: Umpire's player - Naomi Parker; Player's player - Robyn Beebe

Stratford Ladies Purples 35 Trust Helping Hands 26
Stratford Ladies Blues 33 BDR 30
Comets Tornadoes 56 Pink Ladies 19
Shooters Sparks 31 Thunderbirds 22

In a very tightly fought contest, Stratford Ladies Purples played Trust Helping Hands this week. Trust shot well and took an early lead, but by the end of the first quarter Purples were passing well through the court and led by 2 goals. The match continued to be very close with some excellent interceptions by Trust’s Katie Desmond and Rachel Goodman. However, Purples managed to stretch their lead by a couple of goals each quarter. Trust came back very strongly in the final quarter but fantastic movement from Sam Murdoch in attack for Purples allowed them to hold their lead and take the match.

In an equally close match, Stratford Ladies Blues played BDR. Both teams fought hard and there were some excellent defensive efforts from both teams with Debbie Mertens Dixon (GD for BDR) and Lottie Baird (WD for Blues) both being recognised by the umpires for their interceptions. Blues took an early lead and remained a few goals ahead for the majority of the match. In the last quarter, BDR were closing in quickly with some excellent feeds from Jas Hastie at C. Despite this, Caroline Whitfield kept a cool head and kept the goal count ticking over for Stratford Ladies, giving them the win.

Shooters Sparks met Thunderbirds in the late match. Again, this was a very close match with the lead changing after almost every centre pass. Thunderbirds started strongly and the ball moved quickly through the court with Carolyn Stacey at centre being recognised by both the umpires and her opponents for some great passing and positioning. As the match progressed however, Sparks became more confident in their shooting and were converting at almost every opportunity; Rebecca Heath (GS) likewise gaining both umpires’ player and players’ player.

Comets Tornadoes played Pink Ladies this week in a match with many fantastic interceptions. Pink Ladies demonstrated great flexibility, moving around between positions and had some good passages of play from defence into attack; Charlotte Brookes and Kerry Fox both moved the ball through the court well. Comets, however, had the upper hand throughout the game, scoring regularly despite the damp conditions. Lottie Mayers also excelled at GK for Comets, earning herself both umpires’ player and players’ player, and prevented Pink Ladies from increasing their own goal count.

Player of the match awards:

• Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires’ player – Lottie Baird, players’ player – Caroline Whitfield.
• BDR: Umpires’ player – Debbie Mertens Dixon, players’ player – Jas Hastie.
• Shooters Sparks: Umpires’ player and players’ player – Rebecca Heath.
• Thunderbirds: Umpires’ player and players’ player – Carolyn Stacey.
• Comets Tornadoes: Umpires’ player and players’ player – Lottie Mayers.
• Pink Ladies: Umpires’ player – Charlotte Brookes, players’ player – Kerry Fox.
• Trust Helping Hands: Umpires’ player – Katie Desmond, players’ player – Rachel Goodman.
• Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires’ player – Sam Murdoch, players’ player – Rebecca England.

​Comets Tornadoes 46 Trust Helping Hands 44
Shooters Sparks 19 BDR 21
Stratford Ladies Blues 29 Stratford Ladies Purples 33
Shooters Flames 57 Pink Ladies 12

A great morning of netball - with -5 forecast there were concerned as to whether matches would be played at all, but it turned out to be a crisp sunny morning that hosted some excellent, close run games.

The match between Comets Tornadoes and Trust Helping Hands was tight from the first whistle.  At the first interval, Trust led by one goal; at half time Comets inched it by one.  And so it was throughout the game, the points could have gone to either team.  Lucy Mellor provided excellent all round support for Comets across the court at WA earning her both player awards.  Vicky Lacey and Holly Jackson had a superb partnership in the attacking circle for Trust with Holly also picking up both player awards.  At the third interval Comets came in with a two goal lead, but the final quarter the score draw level and both sides took the lead at different points.  The five points eventually taken by Comets in a game thoroughly enjoyed by all on the court.

This match also saw Jemma Moore of Shooters Flames being observed for her C Award pre-assessment, which she passed so many congratulations to her.

Meanwhile on the other court, Shooters Sparks and BDR were playing out an equally close game.  Anna Philpott at C for Sparks supported her team throughout to earn her umpires' player and GA Beth Morgan was recognised by the opposition for some great shooting.  For BDR, Ami Mertens Dixon's shooting was on point to earn her both umpires' and players' player.  With just two goals separating the teams at the final whistle, BDR take five points moving them ahead of Thunderbirds in the table who had a bye this week, and Sparks took a well earned two points.

The late games saw a Stratford Ladies derby with league leaders Purples meeting second place Blues.  Blues took an early lead, ahead by three goals at the first interval.  At half time, that had swung to Purples leading by three.  Laura Urquhart was strong at GA for Purples, picking up players' player with Lottie Baird impressing the umpires with her defensive performance at GD.  Caroline Whitfield at GA using her height and technique to good effect for Blues earned her the umpires' award.  At the third interval, Purples had stretched their lead to six goals.  The match was not without incident with Emily Holmes, C for Purples, taking a tumble in the final quarter and having to come off for a blood stoppage.  The team made hasty changes to accommodate this and she came back on with a few minutes on the clock.  Blues reduced the deficit to just four goals for the final whistle to earn them two points but missing the opportunity to pinch top spot from their stable mates with a win.  The teams posed for a 'derby match club shot' before the game, and went for a well earned Sunday roast afterwards.

The final match saw Shooters Flames meet Pink Ladies.  Despite the final score, Pink Ladies didn't make it easy for Flames.  Charlotte Brookes at C for Pink Ladies picked up the umpires award for consistency across court and Lisa Blake at GA was recognised for her shooting again by the opposition.  Lucy White and Scarlett Hitchman, GK & GD for Flames had a great game together working hard at tips, intercepts and rebounds, while Kathy Moore at WD picked up the umpires' award for great through court work

Player of the match awards:

Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' and players' player - Lucy Mellor
Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' and players' player - Holly Jackson
Shooters Sparks: Umpires' player - Anna Philpott, Players' player - Beth Morgan
BDR: Umpires' and players' player - Ami Mertens-Dixon
Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' player - Caroline Whitfield, Players' player - Emily Turoczy
Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Lottie Baird, Players' player - Laura Urquhart
Shooters Flames: Umpires' player - Kathy Moore, Players' player - Lucy White
Pink Ladies: Umpires' player - Charlotte Brookes, Players' player - Lisa Blake

Comets Tornadoes 40 Shooters Flames 23
Trust Helping Hands 34 BDR 19
Stratford Ladies Purples 55 Pink Ladies 25
Stratford Ladies Blues 42 Thunderbirds 27

Comets Tornadoes met Shooters Flames in the early match.  With Shooters' other team, Sparks, on a bye week, they were supported with a number of players playing up.  Great mid court play from Pippa Corby and Amelia Rouse, recognised for the player awards, strengthened their cause against a strong Comets side, but it wasn't enough and Comets took the win and 5 points moving them up into third position in the table with a game in hand.

In the other early game, Trust Helping Hands met BDR.  Coping with an injury, Trust moved Leonie Green into the circle who excelled albeit it out of position for her.  As the game went on she gained confidence and made some great goals earning her the opposition's player award.  BDR made great use of their height in both attacking and defensive circles and they did not make life easy for Trust.  Centre court players keeping Trust's defence, Kelly Stepney and Katie Desmond, working hard as they executed the high ball into Michelle Hastie at GS with precision throughout the game.  The game was close for the first half, but Trust held out to take the win.

The second game presented a few challenges as, on an already cold morning, the teams played through intermittent hail showers and strong, bitingly cold winds.  Stratford Ladies Purples met Pink Ladies who, despite the conditions, played out their strongest game of the season.  Renae Hawkyard played a solid game throughout, starting at GD and finishing at C, and was a strong contender for the umpires' player award.  However, given that Pink Ladies notched up their highest score of the season so far recognition was diverted to the shooting circle.  Both Laura Joynes and Lisa Blake made some excellent long shots, they have a relaxed partnership in the circle and played out some neat passes to reach their highest total so far.  The final score maybe not a fair reflection of the challenge Pink Ladies brought to table leaders Stratford, as at more than one occasion during the match, they were within touching distance of half the score and threatened to claim their first point of the season.  However, Stratford's strength in the circle with Rebecca England and Laura Urquhart allowed them to stretch their lead and comfortably take the win.

Stratford Ladies Blues were supported by a number of players playing up from the Purples team.  Despite not having much match experience together as a team, they managed to play out a win against Thunderbirds to maintain second slot in the table thanks to some great shooting from Izzy Lewis who picked up both player awards.  Kizzy Galvin at C for Thunderbirds played a great all round game to gain recognition from her opposition and Holly Roberts picked up the umpires' award for her efforts at GK.

Player of the match awards:

Comets Tornadoes: Umpires' player - Katie Irgin, Players' player - Sophie Hodges
Shooters Flames: Umpires' player - Amelia Rouse, Players' player - Pippa Corby
Trust Helping Hands: Umpires' player - Katie Desmond, Players' player - Leonie Green
BDR: Umpires' player :Players' player - Jenny Darby
Stratford Ladies Purples: Umpires' player - Ella Leary, Players' player - Lisa Nduna
Pink Ladies: Umpires' and Players' player - Lisa Blake
Stratford Ladies Blues: Umpires' and Players' player - Izzy Lewis
Thunderbirds: Umpires' player - Holly Roberts, Players' player - Kizzy Galvin