Mavericks win Netball Superleague final

April 8, 2024

After defeat in the two previous Grand Finals, Mavericks finally lifted the Co-Operative Netball Superleague title, after beating Loughborough Lightning 43-39 at the K2 Arena in Crawley.

At half time it looked like Mavericks would be pipped at the final post again with Loughborough Lightning leading 21-14 and dominating the game. But a tactical change which saw Mavericks using a direct ball in to GS Louisa Brownfield resulted in much needed shooting opportunities. As a result they outscored Loughborough 8-1 in the first seven minutes of the third quarter.

The final quarter was nail biting stuff, with just three points between the teams with fifteen minutes of game time remaining. The quarter started with end to end, goal to goal play until Loughborough’s Jade Clark intercepted on the Mavericks attacking third line. Maverick’s WA Karen Atkinson made an immediate return steal, inspiring her team to push on and they drew level at 34 all before pulling ahead by six goals.

Jo Harten’s skilled play then inspired a mini-run of four goals for Loughborough to bring them back to within two goals. But some patient attacking work by Atkinson, who is heading to Australia to play in the ANZ Championships, and Deb Jones allowed Mavericks to keep possession. As the final whistle neared three goals from Brownfield put the result out of Loughborough’s reach.

Speaking after the match, Mavericks’ assistant coach Kendra Slawinski was thrilled: “What a fantastic result! Loughborough started really well, but Maggie Jackson and I always tell the girls to focus on one goal at a time, and they did exactly that. The squad has worked extremely hard all season and thoroughly deserve the win.”

Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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Mavericks win Netball Superleague final

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