Netball: Melton Marvels push Leicester League champions all the way

The Marvels used all-out attack to break down the Grasshoppers defence early, and great centre court play and shooting from Danni Williams and Becky Greaves gave Marvels a 12-8 lead after the first quarter.

Some great defensive teamwork from Mary Copley and Izzie Dooley made Hoppers work hard for their goals, as the second quarter finished 22-18.

The opposition strengthened their team for the second half in a bid to get back into the match.

Marvels managed to gain back some tactical play in the centre court in the third quarter, getting the ball in to Becky, whose speed into the circle made it difficult for the Hoppers defence to turn over possession.

However, Grasshoppers pushed hard not to let their newly-promoted opponents beat them and levelled the score at 29-all going into the final quarter. Melton continued to push and create opportunities to take the lead, but the strength and experience of Hoppers shone through and they managed to see the game out with a narrow 46-43 victory.

Although defeated, Marvels felt positive from the standard of play the team showed.

* Marvels second team started their Leicester Winter League Division One season with determination and commitment against TFC.

The two sides were locked at 11-11 after the first quarter and then edged in front in the next, 23-22.

TFC took the initiative in the third quarter and established a 36-32 lead and went on to win 50-40.

* Melton Marvels A were in action again on Thursday in the Rutland Winter League against Stans Stars.

After a nail-biting match against very tough opponents it ended as an unfortunate and narrow 23-21 loss.

But the result was an improvement from the previous week and many positives will be taken into the next match.