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Queens played Redditch Pearls and for once it wasn’t raining or freezing cold! It was a very close game with Redditch just beating Queens in the last quarter 39-31. Queens were the better team but Redditch shooters came alive in the last quarter with some excellent shooting. However all praise to Queens defence, Lucinda- well deserved player-Beth, Fran (Tigger) and Ximena with some great interceptions and marking giving the Redditch attack a hard time and forcing numerous errors. Katie at centre was superb- always in the right place with some lovely drop feeds to the shooters. Welcome to Annie who slotted in as WA effortlessly, wouldn’t have known she was new to the squad, again with some great feeds to the shooters. Zoe stepped in as GA and was amazing. Some great shooting with lovely movement especially for the centre pass -awarded coaches player. Last but not least Amy, dominating the circle with great movement and accurate shooting.

Written by Elaine – Coach

Aces 28 – 39 Blackbird Divas

On the most miserable day of the year Aces were to play Blackbird Divas. To say motivation was low and we all wanted to go home was an understatement.
However, when Gemma finally trotted onto court and Leah took her dry robe off, we got a good warm up in and were ready for the challenge/ get it over and done with so we could head home.
Despite the dreadful weather and the tough opposition, we managed to play our game and keep the match tight. Short, simple passes and a sensible pace were key given the puddles, slippy ball and sideways rain. Although the occasional overhead into Chloe was sometimes too tempting, but unfortunately often intercepted by the very tall GK so they were stopped after Q1. Blackbirds put on continuous pressure and did gradually get a small lead, but we were all chuffed with how we played and that the score mostly stayed within 10. A clear improvement to last time and demonstrating how well we’ve gelled as a team.
A huge shout out to Annie and Tia who really helped us out in centre court and slotted into WA brilliantly.

written by Rose – player

The rotation in the D between Jodie and Molly worked so well from the start. Shan was on top form, delivering some unreal feeds and, as always, getting right under her players’ skin. 🤣 By half time we knew we needed a bit more momentum in the court to break through their zones, so Rose jumped in at centre bringing her buckets of energy, and Lauren added real speed and sharp changes of direction on the drive down court. It gave us so many more options going forward.
Kate had an absolute cracking game, sticking tight to her player and hunting down every pocket feed — a well-deserved Player of the Match. Gemma stepping up for us meant we had fresh legs to slow our feeds into the D and force that extra pass. And our newest defensive duo, Kat and Libby, were unreal — taking up so much space, forcing errors and chasing every rebound like they’ve played together for years.
A brilliant team performance and a well-earned 65–30 win for Hearts.

Written by Jodie – Player

Always a tough match against a feisty team but Clubs weren’t going quietly! Match report from Lorraine – Captain

Well done everyone for yesterday’s game. I thought we were going to win as we just nipped ahead in the first quarter but sadly not.
I apologise for some dreadful passes – blamed on poor weather conditions and poor umpire decisions but hey!
Thanks to Tia, Fran and Lucinda for stepping in and helping us out, they all played brilliantly.
Lucy John⁩ you have breezed back into netball and shooting was great. As too was Jeannette Selby⁩ with some fantastic goals from distance.
Well done both – I could barely see a foot in front of me for the rain!
Well done ⁨Chloe Hancox⁩ for getting player, really well deserved, you ran your soggy socks off 😁

With 2 players playing up Aces did well against Divas who are 2nd in the league table losing by just 11 goals! Match report from Rose – Player

Aces 28 – 39 Blackbird Divas

On the most miserable day of the year Aces were to play Blackbird Divas. To say motivation was low and we all wanted to go home was an understatement.
However, when Gemma finally trotted onto court and Leah took her dry robe off, we got a good warm up in and were ready for the challenge/ get it over and done with so we could head home.
Despite the dreadful weather and the tough opposition, we managed to play our game and keep the match tight. Short, simple passes and a sensible pace were key given the puddles, slippy ball and sideways rain. Although the occasional overhead into Chloe was sometimes too tempting, but unfortunately often intercepted by the very tall GK so they were stopped after Q1. Blackbirds put on continuous pressure and did gradually get a small lead, but we were all chuffed with how we played and that the score mostly stayed within 10. A clear improvement to last time and demonstrating how well we’ve gelled as a team.
A huge shout out to Annie and Tia who really helped us out in centre court and slotted into WA brilliantly.

Match report from Shannon Hall – player

A win! 51 Hearts – 33 BDR
Massive well done to Nat for getting player of the match and well deserved ❤️

What a game in truly awful weather conditions! With rain pouring down for the first three quarters, it was always going to be a test of focus, control and composure. Thankfully, the rain eased in the final quarter, but by then the hard work had already been done.
We came out strong from the first whistle, making a conscious decision to keep our passes short and sharp. A decision for no bullets today with frozen fingers was a wise choice. Molly and Lauren started in the shooting circle and made an immediate impact. A couple of early turnovers allowed us to get ahead quickly. Although space was tight on court at times as it was tricky to change direction on the slippery surface, we worked hard to support each other and keep the ball moving safely.
Sarah, as always, was everywhere on court, creating brilliant space and offering constant options. Her partnership with Nat was key, with some lovely pocket balls from the top of the D feeding cleanly into Lauren and Molly. In defence, Kat and Shannon worked tirelessly, reading the play superbly to get tips and interceptions that turned the ball back down court. Kate was always ready to capitalise on turnovers and made some fantastic interceptions from the centre pass. It was a brilliant start all round.
Jodie rotated into shooter and didn’t disappoint. Her shooting was on fire. She positioned herself cleverly around her defender with an awesome split to get under the net. Between Lauren and Jodie, rebounds were rarely lost, with both of them fighting hard for second chances. Even Molly batted a ball in from the side-line – oops.
Heading into the final quarter with a comfortable lead, the focus was on maintaining possession and managing the game. We had a slight wobble at the start of the fourth, allowing BDR to close the gap a little, but we quickly settled. By working the ball forwards and backwards and sticking to short, controlled passes, we slowed the tempo and regained control.
The tough weather conditions certainly slowed the game, but we adapted well, playing smart and strategic netball. The zone marking on BDR’s goal line pass worked brilliantly, forcing errors and creating interception opportunities. By controlling the pace and preventing quick transitions up court, we disrupted their rhythm and forced them into rushed decisions.
Overall, a fantastic team performance in very challenging conditions. A well-earned win.
Hope everyone’s warmed up now ☕️

With the help of 3 players playing up for them Hearts were on form! Match report by Jodie – Player

My first game back after Christmas and we came out flying! 💥
The rotation in the D between myself and Mol worked so well from the start. Shan was on top form, delivering some unreal feeds and, as always, getting right under her players’ skin. 🤣 By half time we knew we needed a bit more momentum in the court to break through their zones, so Rose jumped in at centre bringing her buckets of energy, and Lauren added real speed and sharp changes of direction on the drive down court. It gave us so many more options going forward.
Kate had an absolute cracking game, sticking tight to her player and hunting down every pocket feed — a well-deserved Player of the Match. Gemma stepping up for us meant we had fresh legs to slow our feeds into the D and force that extra pass. And our newest defensive duo, Kat and Libby, were unreal — taking up so much space, forcing errors and chasing every rebound like they’ve played together for years.
A brilliant team performance and a well-earned 65–30 win for Hearts. Bring on Sunday! 💙

Match Report from Amy – Captain

Well done everyone against a bargy team, we held our own for sure and it paid off🙌🫶 Lucinda- the armssss🥵😍 very well deserved!! X

Match report from Gemma- Captain

A good win today – we deserved the win and fought for it! Well done girls & congrats Grace Connolly on players player! Our flying ballerina – lots of interceptions, tips and defensive pressure, amazing work! Xx

We welcomed back Lucy John to ATNC playing GA. Match report supplied by Lorraine – Captain

Close game today. We all had a great game and well done to @⁨Libby Rolph⁩ for player and some fantastic interceptions. Really tough against the GA and GS especially when it’s just a long ball. ⁨Leanne Hudson⁩ you had a great game, you just needed to be 2’’ taller!
Great to have ⁨Amelia Bennett⁩ back 🥰
Lucy had a fantastic first game and played really well with Jeannette Selby⁩ whose shooting was on fire!
It was a good game to play and watch and they were a nice team. Georgina I hope the plaster didn’t hurt coming off 😂 ⁨Chloe Hancox⁩ you did great in your brief spell as WD even if you were lost 😂