London Mavericks Defeat Nottingham Forest in Dominant Display

Photo: Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest 56-67 London Mavericks

London Mavericks kicked off round five of the Netball Super League with a 67-56 victory at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham this evening, ending Nottingham Forest's home record.

The visitors claimed a dominant victory, with captain Ellie Rattu leading by example in a performance of defensive intensity, sharp attacking combinations, and crucial conversions during super shot periods. Despite a strong third-quarter surge from Forest, the Mavericks’ consistency across the court proved too much for the home side.

How the Game Unfolded:

This evening’s game saw Camila Buchanan’s side capitalise on the unforced errors of Nottingham Forest in the opening minutes. The errors from the home side opened up a two-goal lead for London Mavericks before Forest shooter Rolene Streutker found her side’s openings, taking the majority of the shooting in the opening quarter, a pattern often seen in Forest’s first four games.

Despite Forest’s shaky start, the home side kept the game goal-for-goal for a significant period of the 15. Just before the super shot time, London Mavericks opened up a three-goal advantage, as they kept multiple attacking options on every phase of play.

During the first super shot time, England Roses’ goal attack, Emma Thacker, kept her side ahead utilising the two-point zone despite high defensive pressure from Jayda Pechova. Streutker utilised the super shot time to bring her side back within four.

The South African Protea, who is second in the league for shooting stats, demonstrated her strong attacking presence in the opening quarter. Forest increased their defensive pressure through Hannah Leighton, whose successful intercept within the last few minutes of the quarter allowed her side to capitalise on the Mavericks’ mispass.

The first quarter ended with London Mavericks holding a six-goal advantage, giving them their first first-quarter win of the season.

Q1: Nottingham Forest 12-18 London Mavericks

The second quarter saw Forest capitalise on a replay ball from Suzie Liverseidge, which allowed Streutker and Reha Dixon to give the Reds a three-goal lead in the quarter. With Forest starting to come back from the six-goal deficit, Mavericks made a defensive switch, with Amy Hepworth-Wain replacing Izzi Phillips in wing defence.

The supershot period saw Streutker and Thacker go goal for goal as the two attackers were successful in two supershots each. Before the Mavericks' defence successfully isolated Rhea Dixon outside the circle and were rewarded with a defensive rebound after Streutker’s missed supershot, which aided in opening up the London side’s advantage.

Despite a short period where Forest narrowed their visitors’ advantage, the home side could not prevent the momentum of Emma Thacker and Emily Andrew. London Mavericks went into half time nine goals up, giving them their first, first half win.

Q2: Nottingham Forest 27-36 London Mavericks (15-18)

Neither side made any changes going into the second half.

Multiple turnovers from both sides saw Forest take the first goal after three minutes, showing the impressive defensive efforts from both sides. London Mavericks continued their dominant play- holding a ten goal lead- as Razia Quashie capitalised on attacking mistakes from Forest, holding the increased pressure in the circle. Forest were able to capitalise on a static Mavericks attack, heading into the supershot time, as they turned over a held ball decision.

Streutker and Andrew both continued their impressive runs in the super shot time, as Forest utilised the two-point zone to half the difference and switch the momentum. Streutker’s super shot in the dying seconds of the quarter brought the home side back into the game, with the difference being reduced by two.

Despite the big advantage London Mavericks held going into the third quarter, Nottingham Forest won the quarter by seven, as they kept themselves in the game.

Q3: Nottingham Forest 45-47 London Mavericks (18-11)

Going into the last quarter, London Mavericks brought on Amelia Hall (GA) and Izzi Phillips (WD), with Amy Hepworth-Wain moving into Centre.

During the final quarter, Mavericks continued their dominant possession with Hall and Andrew opening the gap to five after capitalising on Forest’s missed shots.

However, Forest demonstrated their determination as they shifted the momentum and started to reduce the advantage once more. This change in momentum promoted Mavericks’ captain Ellie Rattu to reenter the game at Wing Defence.

Despite the defensive efforts of Tash Pavelin and Jayda Pechova, Mavericks were able to hold off the increasing pressure from the home side, holding onto a seven-goal lead.

In the final super shot period, both sides struggled to create successful attempts; however, Streutker was able to net another as the pressure built for her Forest side. Emily Andrew netted the final goal of the game, giving her side an eleven goal lead.

Q4: Nottingham Forest 56-67 London Mavericks (11-20)

Player of the Match-

Sky Sports named London Mavericks’ captain Ellie Rattu as their Player of the Match, praising her consistent defensive pressure in the Centre and Wing Defence position.

Next Fixtures-

Both sides are back in action on the 19th of April, with Nottingham Forest travelling to face Birmingham Panthers while London Mavericks host Loughborough Lightning.

Teams:

Nottingham Forest- Rolene Streutker (GS), Rhea Dixon (GA), Iona Christian (WA), Niamh Cooper * (C), Hannah Leighton (WD), Tash Pavelin (GD), Jayda Pechova (GK)

Bench- Brie Grierson, Faridah Kadondi, Freya Henshall

Head Coach- Chelsea Pitman

London Mavericks- Emily Andrew (GS), Emma Thacker (GA), Suzie Liverseidge (WA), Ellie Rattu * (C), Izzi Phillips (WD), Jemma Donoghue (GD), Razia Quashie (GK)

Bench- Cerys Finn, Amelia Hall, Amy Hepworth-Wain

Head Coach- Camilla Buchanan

*- Captains