Injury strikes the 2nd team

The team started sluggishly in the first quarter, with a lack of movement and offers in the front court meaning that the shooting opportunities were limited. In defence, Leo Bacchus, Lauren Williams and Lucy McCarthy were working hard to try to restrict the Raiders attack, but failure to convert their interceptions and turnovers meant that Club were 11-5 at half time.

Things didn't improve much in the second quarter, as Raiders got into their stride and were being allowed to bring the ball down the court far too quickly and easily. The defence continued to work hard, with Leo performing an SAS / stunt man type manoeuvre whilst on the floor in the circle at one point, but it was still hard going in the front court with a lot of hesitancy. Shortly before half time, disaster struck when Leo went down with what felt like a kick to the back of the leg. It didn't take long to realise that it was something serious, and it transpired to be a ruptured achilles tendon. With the team in a bit of disarray, the half ended 27-12 to Raiders.

However the adversity seemed to kick start Club, who came out in the second half with a lot more purpose. Bethany Cownden came on at WA and her energy seemed to galvanise the front court and, although too many long passes intended for Jayne Goldsbrough did not reach their destination, the front court defence also picked up. Ruth Dempsey (subbing up from the 3rd team to provide defensive cover for the injured Liz Roche) was thrust into the action at GD with Lauren moving back to GK. Ruth and Lauren quickly formed an instinctive partnership and with the whole team putting more pressure on, Raiders were restricted to 8 goals in the quarter. The third quarter ended 35-19 to Raiders.

The focus for the 4th quarter was to ensure that Club achieved at least half Raiders score in order to get the extra point. Beth moved back to GS, and together with Megan Melbourne the switch to two moving shooters seemed to unsettle the Raiders defense. Debbie Greenslade returned at C and with Mel Steingass at WA, were working the ball around the edge of the circle to ensure a safer feed. This was Club's highest scoring quarter as they scored 12 goals, although Raiders also pushed on, with the game finishing 50-31.