From A Birds Eye View

Previous Reports

Match Report :

Wednesday 14th March

League Cup

A Support group numbering 21 travelled to Cold Harbour Leisure Centre tonight to see the Lions play netball like they have never played before.....Well at least for two quarters, unfortunately a netball match lasts for 4 quarters.

Playing against KCNC in the semi-final of the League Cup, the Lions had a tough draw against the 1st division club, it was all the more difficult because of the absence of Vice Captain Clancy Lyons, Sandra Sonola, and Marcia Maximim who was injured and was only present on the bench.

With the vast difference in skill levels, ability, and netball savvy, the 1st div club had to overcome a 15 goal deficit, this they went about methodically, reducing it by 8 in the first quarter. The Lions started nervously and the score raced to 4:1 against them, but they came into their own matching goal for goal for a long period, unfortunately with some decisions not going their way, the Lions lost ground in the latter stages of the quarter.

With the nerves settling, the Lions saw their best passage of play in the 2nd quarter, pulling out all the stops to only lose the quarter by 2, this was joy to watch for the neutral, both teams had brilliant interceptions, inventive approach play, solid defending, and dead eye shooting. As the tempo of the game increased, both teams lifted their games, sweat poured and tempers raised, both teams edged their players on, This  quarter ended with with KCNC 10 goals ahead, and thus still 5 in deficit.

And then it all fell apart..... the Lions hot, exhausted, and injured appeared to forget the game plan and returned to the div 4 Saturday team that we know so well, lack of energy as some players strolled around the court, contacts, short passes, bad passes all crept back into the game, heroic individual efforts were still apparent, but KCNC played as a team and their quality and discipline showed, erasing their deficit, and going ahead to be 18 goals up at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The 4th and final quarter of the Lions cup campaign continued as the 3rd quarter ended, KCNC pressed and the Lions had no answer, Catrin, hassled, intercepted, and ran, Debbie, Wendy, Pamela, Martine, all contributed with major efforts but to no avail, KCNC finished the game strongly and won the cup tie 53:27. A valiant effort by our ladies, and maybe a sneak preview of what is to come in the league next season.

Congrats on a good run in the Cup,

Player of the Match, Catrin Livsey.

 

Watch this space for the Jersey Report

 

Saturday Feb 24th

 

Today Lions 2 looked cold, weary yet jubilant after seeing off their opponents in fine fashion today at Cold Harbour, this venue which has become like a fortress for the Lions 2 team, has only seen them lose one league game this season. Today's win places them firmly at the top of their division, leaving the other teams fighting for the 2nd place trophy.

In the later Lions 1 match however, the Lady lions struggled, but still capped a convincing win (37:24) over Harlequins. As their coach was heard to say, today's lions lacked the passion and energy that normally sets them apart from the rest. Harlequins closed down, and out ran the Lions for much of the game, with the Harlequins GK seeming to call all the shots, but the Lions superior skill finally proved too much for the Quins, winning by 13 goals. noticeably absent was Catrin.

 

Saturday Nov 18th Lions 2 VS Lorikeets

Squad

 

Sandra (GS )            

Bev  (GA ) 

Angela  ( WA /WD  )              

Sarah (C /WA) 

Cassandra (C/WD ) 

Angela M (GD ) 

Sheryl (GK )

 

Umpire: Caroline Jemmotte

 

 

Before the game started the players set themselves a 15 goal target. The game started off well with accurate passing.  The defence worked well keeping the opposition’s attack under pressure.  One or two calls were made for contact in the Lions’ favour and these were quickly converted into goals. First Quarter scores 16-4

 

In the second quarter there were a few loose balls and the words ‘chase those balls’ and ‘where is the back up?’ echoed on court!  Due to players not moving forward for the ball the Lions were forced to send long and overhead passes were which were not received because of the distance. Angela Campbell (WA) showed brilliant support for circle players despite being contacted and on occasion being knocked sideways heavily by the  WA (particularly at centre pass).  Although there were not many calls  for contact  from the umpires Angela managed to keep control.   Second quarter scores 11–3.

 

Half time analysis included the need to hear more voices in the defending circle and from the players outside the circle.  Both attack and defence players needed encouragement, directions and back up. The third quarter started with these words in mind.  Unfortunately the back line throw in from the defence needed to be adjusted as players were not always on the side best placed to receive the ball. 

 

During the 3rd quarter the lack of indication from GA & GS prevented players feeding the circle on occasion. This resulted in the feeders being unable to see if the GA & GS’s space was clear, which it often was, and this would have provided a clear pass into the circle. Despite this the Lions managed to wrack up 17 goals for the quarter. Third Quarter scores 17-3.

 

Throughout the game most of the Lions’ goals were scored effortlessly by Sandra (GS) due to her excellent positioning and with Bev (GA) delivering the ball to Sandra effectively.  During the 4th quarter Sandra's accuracy slipped a little but she was hot on the rebound and managed to convert the misses. There were many moans and groans about contact during the game but it was decided during the last quarter there was nothing the team could do about the umpires’ decisions and the priority was to regain control  in order to reach the 15 goal target. Fourth Quarter scores 12-4.

 

Sarah worked tirelessly throughout the game in both the C and WA positions.  She forced lots of errors and chased loose balls with determination and gained many interceptions. As with other players there were a few bad passes but these were always followed with an apology whilst immediately dropping back to defend and make every effort to win the ball back. Well done Sarah.

 

Both Sheryl and Angela M kept the opposition GA and GS under pressure inside and outside the circle with Cassandra assisting centre court.

 

Final score:

 

Lions 56 – Lorikeets 14

 

Well Done Lions…..Roar!!!

 

Player of the match – Sandra, great positioning and goals!

 

 

Match Report :

Sat 04h Nov : Lionhearts ‘1’v Harlequins

SQUAD –

LORNA (GS),

CLANCY (GA),            

SARAH (WA),        

DIONNE(C),     

SANDRA S (WD),

DEBBIE (GD),

MARCIA (GK),

 WENDY  (RES),

 

UMPIRE: Bev Barrington

 At the start of the day the Lions were joint leaders with Harlequins and Raiders.  Having played 4 and won 4 but not having played each other, this game was crucial for the Lions to maintain their winning streak.

 The preparation for the game was far from ideal as 5 minutes before the start the Lions were 3 players down!!  Where were they? No-one knew!!

  

Counting down the minutes Pam (the Lions captain) was considering using the 2nd team players who had stayed on to show their support following their emphatic 49-20 victory earlier that day to fill in for the missing players, but as the lions were about to step onto court Clancy and Lorna arrived, and the game began.

You would never have guessed the Lions were in such disarray, as they started with quick succinct, accurate passing (something that had been lacking in previous games) and gained an early lead of 17 goals to 5 with excellent shooting from Lorna (GS) and Clancy (GA).

 They continued in the same vein throughout the second quarter which prompted the Harlequins to start shouting encouragement as the lions made them look quite ordinary.  Marcia (GK) dominated the defending circle with clean interceptions which were then converted quickly from defence into attack, ending undoubtedly with a Lions goal.  With 11 more goals added to their tally and only 4 for the opposition the Lions were flying. 

The 3rd quarter has been the lions toughest in previous games and this one was no exception, they came out looking tired and disorganised.  This accounted for loose passing and lack of movement.  The brilliant defending of the 1st half turned into contacts which gave away penalty shots and the Harlequins started to work their way back into a game that should have been lost to them. 

Sandra (WD) was the lions saving grace, still managing to intercept passes, however this time our shooters were unable to convert them into goals.

With the Lions momentum gone, the Harlequins won that quarter by 7 goals to 6

The 4th quarter started much the same with the ball going from end to end, with neither team managing to get a hold on the game.

The sideline spectators by this time were watching with concern praying for the final whistle, after a brief recovery by the shooters the lions managed to hold on and claim a well deserved victory

 GO LIONS……….

ROOAARRRR!!

 SCORE

1st quarter    13 v 5

2nd quarter   24 v 9

3rd quarter   30 v 16

4th quarter   39 v 22

 

Player of the Match

**Sandra Sonola**

 

Sat 30th September

Lionhearts ‘1’v Epic

 

SQUAD – KIM (GS),  LORNA (GA), PAM (WA), CLANCY (C),  SANDRA S (WD), CATRIN (GD), MARCIA (GK),

DEBI  (RES), DIONNE (RES)

UMPIRE: Bev Barrington

Heavy Showers

 

The squad warmed up in the rain wondering why, after a full day of sunshine, the skies had suddenly decided to turn grey! 

 

The teams took the court. Epic had just six players and decided to leave the ‘WD’ position vacant! 

 

Not really a wise  choice when armed with the knowledge that the ‘WA’ is the player that feeds the ‘GS,’ and that without opposition the job would be ‘too easy’.  Good news for the Lionhearts it seemed.  But was it??!!

 

 The Lions didn’t take full advantage of the situation and during the first quarter of the game, the fact that the team had an extra player was hardly noticeable!  Despite the ‘spare’ player there were many occasions when the Lions chose to pass the ball to a ‘marked’ player (risking interception) instead of simply using the extra one.

 

Despite this, the attack made accurate passes into Kim, who was very well positioned, and who scored her goals effortlessly.

 

At quarter time the Lions were winning 17 goals to 6.  The shooting combination was changed. Kim and Lorna swapped places.  Unfortunately, Lorna often positioned herself behind her GK which forced high passes into the circle. Many passes  were intercepted and some flew straight off the back line giving Epic control of the ball. 

 

In the wet conditions all of the players were forced to adjust their speed. The Epic players seemed more confident than the Lionhearts on the wet surface.  Nothing at all wrong with being cautious, but the Lions didn’t adapt their passes to suit their cautious movement.  The result, unnecessary footwork and lots of missed passes.

 

During the previous  training session the attack had worked on their ‘throw ins’ from the back line. The practice worked very well in the game.  Kim at (GA) seemed to find getting into the circle quite challenging, but once she was there, and she had the ball, she continued to shoot well.  Both shooters made great attempts at defending the ball from their circle, occasionally winning themselves another opportunity to score.

 

At half time Lionhearts were well ahead of Epic, though the score in the second quarter was just 9 goals to Lions and 8 to Epic!

 

Clancy, Pam and Dionne (when she replaced Clancy at ‘C’) should have ‘tidied up’ the centre passes and could have brought the ball down the court in a more controlled manner. The other attacks could also have made it easier for themselves by making more use of the ‘unmarked’ ‘spare’ player.

 

The Lions’ defence was tight throughout the whole game.  In the second half Debbie replaced Marcia at GK, Cat & Sandra switched places. Epic scored 8 goals in the 2nd quarter of the game and did not increase that score in any other quarter! Cat’s interceptions were frequent and clean although sometimes the next pass went astray or a ‘footwork’ infringement occurred..  Sandra made many interceptions also and more often than not passed the ball to the unmarked ‘WA’, thus taking full advantage of the ‘we got more players than you’ situation. 

 

The last whistle of the game sounded.

 

Although the Lions had finished the game three goals short of their target, they were indeed the undisputed winners!

 

Another Great Victory for the Lions………… ROOAARRRR!!

 

 

SCORE

1st quarter    6   v   17

2nd quarter   14 v    26

3rd quarter    20 v   44

4th quarter    27 v   57

 

Player of the Match

 

**Sandra Sonola**

 

 

Keep it up girls! 

 

Saturday 30th September 2006

London Lionhearts II

 Time:                10.25am

 Opposition:       Elmstead

 Umpire:            Mandy (Lorikeets)

 Weather:          After heavy showers, sunny morning

 The Squad

Sandra Panton (GS), Sheryl Thompson (GA), Beverly Barrington (C), Sarah Buckberry (WA), Angela Marshall (res)

Nkem Ekwukoma (GK), Cassandra Douglas (res), Wendy Haughton (GD), Deborah Barrington (WD)

 1st Qtr 7 - 10,     2nd Qtr 20 - 14,     3rd Qtr:  35 - 22,     4th Qtr 43 - 29:

Lionhearts and Elmstead had both won their first matches,. they were both determined to keep their ‘unbeaten’ record.

As soon as the game began it was clear that one of the umpires could not control the game.  The Lions were immediately agitated by his performance and in turn allowed it to upset their game. The Lionhearts shooters had many opportunities to score goals but too many shots and rebounds were missed! 

 At the end of the first quarter the opposition were ahead 10 – 7!

 By the second quarter of the game Nkem had lost some of her ‘first game nerves’ and she ‘stepped up’ her game.  Nkem made many mistakes, but she didn’t give up.  She listened to the directions given to her by Wendy and Debbie (experienced player), improved her passing, made some crucial & impressive interceptions and limited the opposition’s shots.

The GA/GS combination worked well and the shooting improved in this quarter. 

 Substitutions were made at half time. Cassandra joined the game at WD and Angela at GK. Beverly moved to GA.  The opposition changed their GK to GS.

 During the half time break Elmstead complained about the ‘roughness’ of the game and as a result Bev Dyson (a league official) asked both umpires to be more vigilant).  During the 3rd quarter, some Lions players spent too much time debating the umpire’s call with their opposition instead of concentrating on playing the game.  The defences continued to work hard.  Angela didn’t appear to have any ‘first game nerves’, she started playing confidently and continued through to the end of the game. 

 The Lions were definitely the best team on the court and although the shooting was better than at the start of the game and defence was continuously good, the play in the centre of the court was very muddled and needs urgent attention.

 Lionhearts II need to focus and to be  positive.

Player of the Match

*  -  NKEM EKWUKOMA  -   *