Nottingham Trent’s third team played at home this week against Leicester University. The tension was high at the beginning of the match as Trent knew a win would secure a place at the top of the league. It wasn’t going to be an easy match having lost against Leicester at the start of the season.
There were some last-minute changes to the started seven as WA, Sophie Marrow feel ill before the beginning of the game. Both teams eased into the first quarter, both treasuring the ball and playing a safe game.
Trent looked like the stronger side, however the score was not reflecting this and after poor discipline and silly mistakes, the score was 11-11 after the first quarter.
Head coach, Louise Hopkins was not impressed with that lack of communication on court so after a frank talk the girls picked up the pace and started fighting for the game.
Second quarter saw Trent pull ahead and with some lovely defensive work from GK, Helena Welford and GD, Madison Reynolds. The game began to flow for the third team and at half time the score was 22-11.
Hopkins made some changes to the team and brought Amy Beasley as GA and Amelia Lumley as C. With fresh legs on the court there was a second push and the team gained a solid lead.
The game was in the bag, however, it was clear to see that the end of the fourth quarter everyone’s fitness was flagging and the energy on the court had dropped. The game ended 41 – 31 to Trent.
“We are buzzing to be at the top of league going into the Christmas break. It puts us in good stead for winning the league and being promoted.” Vice-captain Madison Reynolds
Second team:
Trent’s first team or fourth team did not play this week, but seconds did and unfortunately lost 55-50 to Oxford Brookes University. Captain Emma Cartwright said: “It’s such a shame because we could have won, but it got very sloppy in the last quarter and Brookes just got ahead.”
By Esther Roberts