Manchester vs London sees the North win 59-54

Taylor McKevitt and Emma Thacker | photo taken from @ldnmavericksnetball on instagram

The Battle of the North and the South saw Manchester Thunder come out on top against London Mavericks after winning 59-54 at Belle Vue on Monday Night. 

Both sides started the first quarter off brightly with Emily Andrew for Mavericks and Elmere van der Berg for Thunder having two super shots a piece. Manchester Thunder went from side to side outside the scoring circle to pile on the pressure with good quick play and passes from Thunder’s Emma Rayner. When receiving the ball initially, Mavericks were not happy and had to continue to play the ball to get a shot across. Emma Rayner continued to be the vital player for Thunder after soaring into the sky to receive the high crosses. Goalkeeper Razia Quashie for London Mavericks did well to put pressure on the Thunder Attackers to keep her side within three goals.  

End of First Quarter: Manchester Thunder 13-10 London Mavericks

Manchester Thunder continued to do well and prove their dominance including three supershots from second in the table Elmere van der Berg. A few changes from Manchester Thunder as Indya Masser came on in Wing Attack and Shannon Mahlik came on in Goal Attack with Elmere van der Berg moving to Goal Shooter and Anya Williams coming off. 

Josie Huckle for Thunder and Maverick’s Ellie Rattu both intercepted the ball within a minute of each other helping their side with quick play coming down the court. Amelia Hall came on in the Goal Attack bib for Mavericks with around 10 minutes left on the clock with Amy Hepworth-Wain coming on in the centre bib later on. Taylor McKevitt performed well for Thunder with herself bringing long balls across court to make sure the game is played quicker with her also performing an intercept to help her side going into the break. 

Half time: Manchester Thunder 31-24 London Mavericks

London Mavericks did well to bring the scoreline to 2 difference. Emily Andrew performed the best of the quarter after having one supershot and 15 normal shots. Few chances for both sides as both were battling it out on court. Long crosses coming from London Mavericks paid off with them playing the ball quickly and there being a change in pace as the visitors were more quick on the ball. Josie Huckle for Manchester Thunder did well in the Goalkeeper bib after intercepting the ball and passing it quickly forward on court. 

End of Third Quarter: Manchester Thunder 45-43 London Mavericks

Elmere van der Berg proved her dominance after being centre stage in the final quarter with Thunder bringing Emma Rayner back at Wing Attack. Both Emma Rayner in the Thunder dress and Ellie Rattu in the Mavericks dress picked up loose balls from either side to help their team. The court action was back to back with both teams defending well as this was Thunder’s lowest win all season. Things got rough towards the end with interceptions coming from both Taylor McKevitt and Razia Quashie to try and get their side to win. 

Full-time: Manchester Thunder 59-54 London Mavericks

Player of the Match:

Taylor McKevitt got the player of the match after multiple intercepts and helped her team win the match.

What’s next for both sides: 

This game was the final game of the first half with the reverse fixtures from round one happening again. Thunder travel to Loughborough Lightning on Friday with first centre pass at 7.30pm. On Saturday, London Mavericks host Cardiff Dragons with kick off at 4pm. 

Teams: 

Manchester Thunder starting seven: Anya Williams (GS), Elmere van der Berg (GA), Emma Rayner (WA), Amy Carter ©, Taylor McKevitt (WD), Nicola Smith (GD), Josie Huckle (GK). 

Impact Players: Indya Masser, Shannon Mahlik, Ella McCormick 

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

Impact Players: Cerys Finn, Amelia Hall, Amy Hepworth-Wain.