Match Reports

Sun 19 Feb 2012

Dominoes vs Sussex Thunder

30-19 (L)

Coaches MVP: Lucy McKeown This week's prem match saw a shock loss for Doms prem team.  In facing Sussex Thunder, the ex Prem 2 team who had been on a downward slump prior to Christmas, Doms expected this to be a game that they would come out on top of.  However, berated by injuries, illness and general unavailability of squad members, the team was hungry for more  shooters and more defence players .  The first quarter saw the beginning of a laborious fight to score goals, which the Doms won at a near 6-5. From here on in marked a frantic effort by players and  by the coach, with numerous tactical changes, to hold on to the game. The Doms defence went into the shooting circle (GD to GS) and the wings in both ends of the Dom team went into the shooting and defending circles( WA to GA and WD to GD).  It was a valiant effort by all, but the Sussex girls were working on a new momentum they had recently acquired- dogged and determined-  to prevent Doms  from stealing their thunder. In the ensuing  netball street fight on court, that the umpires were unable to control, Sussex brought home the spoils of war at 30-19  leaving the Doms girls to lick their scratches in sheer disappointment.

Sun 12 Feb 2012

Dominoes vs Comets

34-33(W)

Coaches MVP: Comets MVP: Emily Webb Dominoes played steady netball, taking an early lead.  The defence made a number of turnovers that were converted by the attack.  However  Comets weren’t going to give Doms a free pass  to victory .  Their defence also played hardball.  The GD was good at reading the balls in and as a defence unit they hassled the  Doms attack.   By half time the lead had been reduced to two goals , but following  Comets decision to take their most accurate shooter off for the third quarter , this spurred Doms on to gallop into the last quarter with a 7 goal lead. Comets rectified their mistake and brought their GS back on which soon marginalised  Doms lead.  In the last crucial minutes of the game, Doms  WD  Becs Swanton made a clean interception to play the ball back into Doms possession to run the clock down to end the game 34-33.

Sun 29 Jan 2012

Dominoes vs Just Ahead

37-32 (W)

Coaches MVP: Hannah Alexander This game between Just Ahead and Dominoes will always be remembered for the reference given in defence of her players by the Just Ahead's captain to "tourettes", as opposed to the netball! However with reference to the game, it should be noted that in past matches, Dominoes had unwittingly underestimated their highly vocal, gymnastic prancing opponents.  This time, Doms zoned out of the Just Ahead's fierce and frantic calling, firing into action immediately.  Considering that both teams both had playoffs in sight, this was a crucial win to either team. This perhaps explains why there was never a complete break away to the finishing line. The last quarter saw the highs and lows of this evenly matched game.    GD Hannah Alexander, now as GA, was helping to extend the lead until she was suddenly taken out by her opponent and retired to the injury bench.  Doms were nervy with the ball and rapidly lost the advantage.  The attack eventually settled down and brought home the win at 37-32.

Sun 22 Jan 2012

Dominoes vs Essex Open

37- 23 (W)

Coaches MVP: Karen Player Sliding right down the scale this week from a lot to report to not much to say. The game lacked anything spectacular in either teams performance. This rematch against the Essex girls was an expected win for Dominoes with Essex still sitting at the bottom if the table. CoachTomlinson warned the team against complacency. Doms started well trying to claw away at the goal difference built by their opponents in the league table but the Essex defence was all arms bringing the Doms lead to just 3. With nonchalant passing errors Dominoes repeatedly threw away their advantage. Dominoes strong squad and persistence paid off with a win of 37-23.

Sun 08 Jan 2012

Dominoes vs Telstars

38-30 (L)

Coaches MVP: Kathryn Booth, Lauren Millar and Toyin Malomo Returning after the festive cheer for a showdown with the undefeated leaders of the table, was always going to be a tough job.  However the brave hearted few, travelled down to Kent, in dribs and drabs with a carload unwittingly even going sightseeing in London along the way!! Still, not to be deterred by their less than standard overnight accommodation and pitiful changing rooms, the previously untried combination of Doms players stepped on to the court gameface ready,  for their first Prem match in 2012.  They stormed away with an early lead while Telstars tried to get the measure of this team they had previously dominated in the first contest.  Their best response was to bring on  4 pairs of fresh legs at half time which overall, did little to improve their decidedly average game. It showed  there was only one reason why they had dominated Prem 3 this season: cue Telstar's secret weapon- their giant Goliath GS.  But every Goliath has a David, and to the Doms defence, she was no longer a secret, nor a weapon that the Doms defence couldn't handle and shutdown. Meanwhile the other Dominoes ladies were maintaining a fine show, with some great netball and shooting in all areas of the court. Going into the final quarter, the Dominoes were one goal down. Suddenly they had all to play for in the closest match -as acknowledged by the  Telstars-they had played all season. The Dominoes could almost taste the victory....but "almost" was as close as it got...Sigh! The last quarter saw a cacophony of errors by the eager Doms which handed the win to the Telstars on a plate. The final score of 38-30 was hardly an accurate reflection of the hard work, effort and skilful netball that the Doms players had invested in the match.

Sun 04 Dec 2011

Dominoes vs Grangetown

51-49 (W)

Coaches MVP: Emily Webb and Hannah Alexander

Grangetown MVP: Emily Webb

Dominoes took the relatively short trip to Middlesborough to play Grangetown who sit 2nd in the table. With them beating Doms in the first game of the season they knew it was being going to be a tough match.;Dominoes took to the court and took an early lead leading 17-13 after the first quarter. Grangetown however came back fighting and started to close the gap throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarter. The Dominoes defence worked tirelessly as a unit and continued to put the Grangetown shooters under pressure and pressure they weren't used to and carried on forcing them to make mistakes, gaining turnovers for the team. With some great shooting from Emily Webb Dominoes continued to stay ahead and went into the final quarter with a 1 goal lead. Grangetown took an early lead in the last quarter however Dominoes kept their calm, continued to turn the ball over and fought their way back into the lead to ensure they went back to Manchester with the win! Here's hoping Dominoes can continue this great form into the new year! Merry Christmas everyone!!  

Sun 20 Nov 2011

Dominoes vs Leamington

51-37 (W)

Coaches MVP: Rosie Bailey and Hannah Alexander

Now approaching the midseason of Prem, it looks like the Dominoes team have found their stride. This week, the Dominoes were like a well oiled machine in every sector of  the court.  Immediately they established an early unanswered lead which Leamington  struggled to rise to.  However what the opponents lacked in netball skills, they certainly made up for in fighting spirit.  So the second quarter saw them clawing their way back to threaten the Doms serious goal advantage.  In defence, the usually cool headed Ms Malomo had to work overtime to resist engaging in some feisty and dirty play that crescendoed in the last quarter, uncontrolled by the umpires. Commendably, the other Dominoes team members remained focused and unperturbed by the desperate tactics of the opposing team and comfortably brought home the win at 51-37.

Sun 13 Nov 2011

Dominoes vs Poole Aquarians

34 - 40 (W)

Coaches MVP: Emily Webb and Lucy McKeown

Poole Aquarians MVP: Rosie Bailey

Another trip down south, another sunny day, and another showdown for the Dominoes ladies against Poole Aquarians. From the get go, it was clear that this markedly older team were not to be underestimated with shooters that would shoot from anywhere in the circle and with a defence that were experienced and tactical in their play.   However, with an old partnership back in the defensive circle on the Doms team, Miss McKeown quickly acclimatised to the position of GK and was clearly intent in letting the shooters know that the shooting D was in fact her own.  Ms Malomo apprehensively stepped up to the GD role and slowly, but surely- together-  they started to force the error and cause some panic on court for the Poole ladies. It was a draw after the first quarter and Dominoes were 3 goals down at half time having seriously clawed their way back from the brink of a widening gap. The second half of the match saw an about turn with the Doms ladies turning up the heat in the attack and using their stamina to their advantage. The final score was 34-40 with the Dominoes shooters walking away with their helds held high over their 80%  + shooting accuracy.

Sun 06 Nov 2011

Dominoes vs Lawn

47- 28 (W)

Coaches MVP: Hannah Alexander

Sun 30 Oct 2011

Dominoes v Sussex Thunder

40 - 36 (W)

Coaches MVP: Toyin Malomo

Sussex Thunder MVP: Toyin Malomo

Sun 23 Oct 2011

Dominoes vs Comets

38 - 42 (W)

Coaches MVP: Whole Squad

Comets MVP: Karen Player

In the second away game of the season,  the doms girls only managed to  cobble together a team of  8 players to travel down to the Comet's game in Kent. However, with Ms McKeown back from injury and set up in the shooting end, Ms Bailey was permitted to test the waters at GA for the full hour.  The partnership worked  and both attackers forced the contact from the Comet's defence over and over again to secure penalty shot after shot.  This was a game where the doms attack kept level headed, maintained an athletic pace and protected the delivery of the ball to their own shooters.  The Dominoes defence had also checked in for this game and they doggedly pursued, blocked, and pressured their opponents to hold on to the marginal lead.  The sheer determination of the team as a whole landed them a winning result of 42-38.

Sun 09 Oct 2011

Dominoes vs Just Ahead

34-39 (L)

Coaches MVP:

Jenny Shaw and Becs Swanton

Used to their intimidation tactics and without the usual height advantage, the Dominoes girls were  eager to have the Just Ahead team eating out of their hands in the first rematch of the season. However, from the get go, it appeared that the opponents- uncontrolled by the umpires- were going to fight tooth and nail to remain "just ahead" as their name implied during all four quarters. Throughout the game, Doms attack were unable to hold on to the ball- literally -and a catalogue of passing errors didn't bode well for the intended result.  The Dominoes defence which this week introduced the prem captain,Karen Player, as a switch from C to GD- into it's wings, were as strong and tenacious as they could be in a match that relied heavily on  man to man defensive tactics.However, without  capitalising on the height of Hannah Mercer  in the circle, as GA  from the second half onwards, the Doms were always playing catch up  and trailed the winners with a disappointing  score line of 34-39.

Sun 02 Oct 2011

Dominoes vs Essex Open

42-49 (W)

Coaches MVP: Rosie Bailey

In their first away game, it seemed that whilst leaving the rain in Manchester for some glorious sunshine, the Doms girls had also left a number of their team behind, travelling with an attack heavy squad .Starting off steadily, Dominoes converted their own centres into goals,and also capitalised on the unforced errors of the Essex girls, regardless of the questionnable umpiring.  By half time, the Doms girls were now running the show and urged on by their level headed coach, were ready to go out there and finish the job.  However, in an all too familiar turn of events,  the Dom girls started to replicate the errors of their opponents and the 8 goal gap was halved in the 3rd quarter. Seizing on injury time called by Essex and one switch on court in the Doms defence and the mounting pressure was back on.  In the last quarter, the  Doms attack worked some great triangles around the circle to shoot the ball and to drive home to their opponents that The Only Way Is certainly NOT Essex.

Sun 25 Sep 2011

Dominoes vs Telstars

30-52 (L)

Coaches MVP: Toyin Malomo

Dominoes faced Prem newcomers Telstars in Week 2. Telstars took an early 5 goal unanswered lead which they extended to 9 throughout the first half. Dominoes showed tenacity with new players making their debut and pulled it back to 2 by half time. Unfortunately, Doms were unable to keep the pressure on and in the final quarter Telstars secured their win convincingly. 

Sun 18 Sep 2011

Dominoes vs Grangetown

36-45 (L)

Coaches MVP: Rosie Bailey

At the sound of the whistle both sides fired into action like racehorses chomping at the bit.  Yes, the widely anticipated first prem match was finally here and Doms and the Grangers wanted to show each other who was boss.  The Grangers scored their first centre and dominated the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Dominoes girls showed some promise and tried to close down the widening gap. Meanwhile, the screaming home and away benches packed with much needed support were transmitting the highs and lows of the game. By the fourth quarter the novice prem team sealed their message - that they are a strong and accurate team and certainly a force to be reckoned with. The Grangers were jubilant over their first prem victory, leaving a shell shocked Doms team with some homework to do.  Chins up girls- what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger!

Sun 03 Apr 2011

Sheffield Stormers v Dominoes

38 - 39 (W)

Coaches MVP: Charlotte Halliwell The final game of Dominoes first season in National Premier Division 3 took place today in Sheffield. Dominoes having showing disappointing form in the second half of the season travelled to their Yorkshire rivals determined to finish on a high. With Rosie Bailey joining Lucy McKeown out injured Fominoes could only field a small squad but Sheffield did the same. Dominoes showed spells of flair and control like supporters were used to seeing but again gave an inconsistent performance failing to capitalize turnovers and making unforced errors. The full 60minutes was scrappy with both teams showing that in had indeed been a long season. Sheffield pulled back a 6 goal deficit to then go ahead by 2 goals but with great defensive pressure from Caroline Moran and Leanne Miller Dominoes fed the circle and Charlotte Halliwell demonstrated the superb transition from Dominoes junior to senior to Prem player. Dominoes won the match by one goal scored in the dying seconds by senior player and coach Sarah Tomlinson.

Sun 20 Mar 2011

Elmdon v Dominoes

43 - 35 (L)

Coaches MVP: Rosie Bailey

Sun 06 Mar 2011

Just Ahead vs Dominoes

42 - 26 (L)

Coaches MVP: Karen Player

Sun 27 Feb 2011

Dominoes vs Comets

37 - 40 (L)

Coaches MVP: Toyin Malomo

With Dominoes still struggling to find their pre-Christmas form today was an excellent opportunity to regain confidence. Dominoes started slowly and were losing by 11 by the end of the first quarter. Substitutions and changes made seeing Dominoes settle in second quarter to reduce the deficit to 7 by half time. The third quarter however saw multiple unforced errors from Dominoes and a lack of control throughout the court. All seemed lost by the 4th quarter but outstanding performances from Charlotte Halliwell and Pheobe Hooson saw Dominoes fight back with passion and pride. Unfortunately time elapsed before Dominoes could take the lead.

Sun 13 Feb 2011

Dominoes vs Evesham Reds

45 - 28 (L)

Coaches MVP: Rosie Bailey

Dominoes travelled the relatively short journey to Evesham this Sunday in the closing stages of the Premier League Season. Dominoes started well going goal for goal with the league leaders. At half time Evesham showed their experience alongside their technical and tactical superiority pulling away from Dominoes. Dominoes made unforced errors and at times showed their own lack of Premier League experience. Even with the squad welcoming back previously injured Leanne Miller back onto the court and outstanding shooting from Rosie Bailey Dominoes on this rare occasion could not control the score line.

Sun 30 Jan 2011

Dominoes vs Chester

52- 35 (W)

Coaches MVP: Sarah Tomlinson

With Dominoes entering todays local derby versus Chester recovering from 2 consecutive losses and with new Captain Karen Player at the helm Dominoes most certainly had a point to prove. Dominoes looked off the pace to start but still took an 8 point lead by the end of the first quarter. With the defensive unit working as one it left the shooters to stamp their authority and accuracy on the Chester defence. Dominoes pulled away to lead by 18 by the end of the third quarter with charcteristic fast and efficient play. Dominoes finished the game with a convincing 17 point lead.

Sun 23 Jan 2011

Dominoes v Cumberland

33 - 13 (L)

Coaches MVP: Toyin Malomo

A disappointing Dominoes performance reflected strongly in the score line. Unforced personal errors dominated throughout with senior players showing uncharacteristic performances. Cumberland took advantage of Dominoes errors and secured the win.

Sun 09 Jan 2011

Lawn vs Dominoes

31 - 29 (L)

Coaches MVP: Toyin Malomo

After nearly a month off from netball Dominoes travelled down to Swindon to face Lawn. The small squad travelled down under a mix of emotions: excitement at restarting the Prem Season but also knowing that this would more than likely be Captain Katherine Maw's last Prem game for more than a year.

The game saw Dominoes looking uncharacteristically rusty and going goal for goal with Lawn. Dominoes appeared to struggle to find their usual form but continued to battle with a physical side and some controversial decisions from both officials. Entering the final quarter Dominoes were 7 points behind. Sarah Tomlinson as Coach today made some intelligent changes moving Toyin Malomo into Goal Defence. Dominoes showed outstanding tenacity, determination and passion to claw back the game to 29-29 in the dying minutes. With further controversial decisions all against Dominoes Lawn completed the game 31-21.

Dominoes Prem Squad would like to whole heartedly take this opportunity to thank Kath Maw for being Captain over the last 2 years. Not only is she an outstanding sportswoman, a terrier in defence and senior member of our club she is an inspirational leader and a great friend. We are expecting her to return in the 2012-2013 season... no excuses! 

Sun 12 Dec 2010

Dominoes vs Poole Aquarians

40 -24 (W)

Coaches MVP: Lauren Millar and Rosie Bailey

Last time these 2 teams met Dominoes failed to extend a 9 point lead and finished the game with a defeat. Dominoes determined not to repeat previous form started strong and took a characteristic lead. With outstanding defensive play throughout the 60mins Dominoes supplied their shooters with ample opportunity to stamp their authority within Prem 3. Dominoes displayed why they have progressed up through the leagues over the past 4 years with innovative, passionate, fast and furious play. The new kit definitiely seemed fitting for this amazing squad performance.

Sun 28 Nov 2010

Dominoes vs Elmdon

53-45 (W)

Coaches MVP: Lauren Millar

Dominoes hosted Birmingham based Elmdon today at Wright Robinson. With Dominoes sitting 4th in the league they had every intention of staying there. Elmdon brought a small but effective squad with versatile members. Dominoes took an early lead but when Karen Player went down with a rolled ankle the game could have quickly turned. Elmdon however did fight back and went ahead. Dominoes not entirely used to be playing in a deficit position turned on the gas and unforced errors were eliminated and trade mark fast play returned. With excellent squad changes made by Sarah Tomlinson Dominoes retook the lead. All the shooters that took the court were accurate and tenacious in their attack. Next up: Sheffield Stormers.

Sun 14 Nov 2010

Dominoes vs Just Ahead

39 - 26 (W)

Coaches MVP: Karen Player

A fast and furious, high intensity and vocal game! Dominoes had a point to prove after 2 losses in a row. Just Ahead brought a physical squad and came out gunning for a win. Dominoes took the lead and remained there throughout the 60mins. With excellent shooting from Sarah Tomlinson and Rosie Bailey Dominoes came away winners. Thanks again to Kareem Brown for stepping in as coach.

Sun 07 Nov 2010

Comets vs Dominoes

38 - 30 (L)

Coaches MVP: Karen Player

Dominoes made an early start to the day with the long trip to Kent. After arriving to find the centre locked, the courts not set up and in a rather filthy state Dominoes made a fast and furious start to take a quick 4-0 lead. The usual flair and finesse of Dominoes seemed to quickly dwindle allowing Comets back into the game. Dominoes lacked their usual tenacity and failed to claw back the lead Comets took. An all round disappointing performance by the squad. Dominoes now sit 4th in the league behind Cumberland on goal difference.

Sun 31 Oct 2010

Dominoes vs Evesham Reds

28 - 30 (L)

Coaches MVP: Caroline Moran

Dominoes faced league leaders Evesham Reds in a well attended battle at Wright Robinson. Dominoes in what seems to be a familiar fashion took an early lead but in the second quarter Evesham fought back to win the quarter. Dominoes won both subsequent quarters but with umpires penalising contesting players and allowing some dnagerous play to occur Dominoes ran out of time before they could claw back the lead Evesham developed in the second quarter.

Sun 24 Oct 2010

Chester vs Dominoes

23 - 37 (W)

Coaches MVP: Toyin Malomo and Lauren Millar

After a weekend off Dominoes travelled to local rivals Chester. Dominoes were anticipating a physical battle based on previous encounters. Dominoes were not disappointed... Dominoes failed to convert their first centre pass giving Chester a confidence boost as they sit 9th in the league, however, Dominoes soon squashed this confidence playing fast, technical and fluent netball. Dominoes took the lead and remained there throughout, extending the lead with each quarter. An outstanding squad performance preparing the team for next weeks encounter with Evesham reds who sit at the top of the league.

Sun 10 Oct 2010

Dominoes vs Cumberland

31- 24 (W)

Coaches MVP: Katherine Maw

Dominoes took to the court anticipating a fast and physical battle against a team they have encountered many times over the last few seasons. Cumberland travelled up from London bringing their usual selection of tall and athletic Aussies, Mauri's and New Zealanders. Dominoes took a quick lead and remained ahead throughout the game edging away and Cumberland clawing back with their strong defence. Dominoes completed the 60minute game up by 7 points moving them further up the Prem 3 league with a commendable team performance.

Sun 03 Oct 2010

Dominoes vs Lawn

32-23 (W)

Coaches MVP: Toyin Malomo

With a full squad of 12 but without starting centre Karen Player the squad arrived early and prepared to improve on last weeks defeat at Poole. The team started well after a confidence boosting team talk from coach Caswell Palmer. The defence held Lawn to scoring only 2 goals and took a 7-2 lead after the first quarter. Dominoes remained in the lead throughout with strong performances from everyone who took the court. The game remained fast paced and physical throughout and Dominoes attacked Lawns zone. A convincing win for game 3 of the season.

Sun 26 Sep 2010

Poole Aquarians vs Dominoes

35-31

Coaches MVP: Zoe Chadwick

Another dominant start in a fast and well contested match. Dominoes took the lead with excellent circle play from the attack. With personnel changes from both teams Poole began to fight back in the third quarter bringing it to a goal by goal game. Pooles experience in pressure situations shone through as usual steady Dominoes became frantic and began to make errors. With time ticking away Dominoes lost its grasp on the lead and Poole game away victorious.

Mon 13 Sep 2010

Dominoes Vs Sheffield Stormers

42-33

Coaches MVP: Lucy McKeown and Katherine Maw
Northern League rivals Sheffield Sheffield Stormers travel over the Pennines to the opening game of the season of newly formed Prem 3. A highly competitive match ensued with Dominoes taking an early lead and remaining there throughout the four quarters. With new squad members and a summer break Dominoes showed flair and outstanding play in parts but failed to maximise their lead to represent the squads true potential. The game closed with a convincing Dominoes win and 5 points secured.