Mavericks faced off against Manchester Thunder at Wembley in their final game of the season — a crucial test and key preparation ahead of the upcoming semi-final clash this Friday.
Thunder struck first with some early points, but Mavericks quickly found their rhythm to stay competitive in the opening stages. Emily Andrew was a standout early on, demonstrating impressive accuracy that kept the scoreboard ticking and helped maintain pressure on Thunder. By the end of the first quarter, the score read 10-18, with Mavericks still very much in the contest.
Mavericks came out firing in the second quarter, sparked by a strong start from Ellie Rattu, whose timely interception helped shift momentum in Mavericks’ favor. Emma Thacker and Emily Andrew combined effectively, creating multiple attacking threats and building good flow in the game. However, midway through the quarter, Thunder shifted gears, increasing their intensity and control to take a commanding lead heading into halftime. The score at the break stood at 19-38.
The third quarter saw the return of George Inger to the NSL stage, welcomed warmly by the Wembley crowd. She quickly made her presence felt, contributing valuable points and injecting energy into the Mavericks’ play. Despite her efforts and a resilient performance from the Mavericks’ bench players, Thunder continued to carry the momentum from the first half, extending their lead with consistent pressure on both ends of the court. Mavericks faced a significant challenge as they aimed to close the gap heading into the final quarter.
The final quarter was much of the same, with Thunder maintaining relentless pressure and control. However, Mavericks showcased some moments of brilliance. Suzie Liverseidge demonstrated her talent with a spectacular intercept followed by skilful ball control, setting up George Inger perfectly for a scoring opportunity. Neve Wright, making her NSL debut, delivered a commanding defensive performance, providing stability and leadership at the back as the Mavericks fought to stem the tide.
All eyes now turn to next week as we head to Manchester for a huge semi-final showdown against Thunder.