This game started shakey with both teams looking a bit nervous. Both making a few silly mistakes early but eventually managing to warm into the game. Kia Toa made the most of these mistakes and were able to score from a few turnover balls. Lincoln defence set up a zone early making it difficult for Kia Toa attack to get free. But Kia Toa was patient enough to work through Lincoln’s zone and the game was pretty even early on. Lincoln's connections and timing on attack improved towards the end of the quarter and they managed to pull away ending the quarter 19-13 to Lincoln.

Lincoln comes out strong in the second quarter picking up the pace and quickly getting a run on, scoring five goals in a row. Claudia Roberts at GD for Lincoln is effective early on forcing a few turnovers which Lincoln is quick to score from. Again Kia Toa works hard to get through Lincoln’s zone and rely heavily on Chelsea Corbett at GA who gets every second pass. Using the right angles in the circle Chelsea is able to create space for herself against a heavy defence and ended up being Kia Toa's main goal scorer, shooting nine of their thirteen goals. Lincoln dropped off towards the end of the quarter which allowed Kia Toa to come back. The quarter ended with both teams scoring thirteen goals, Lincoln ahead 32-26 going into the second half.

Lincoln starts the third quarter with a brand new team, swapping every position except for their circle defence. Kia Toa do well to adapt to their new partners, and they manage to go goal for goal with Lincoln early in the quarter. It takes Lincoln attack some time to warm into their new combination but once they do timing of the drive improves and Lincoln are able to score quickly. Kate Grant makes an instant impact at GA for Lincoln. Using her footwork and speed, she is able to find space easily and shoots very accurately. Kia Toa struggle to keep up with Lincoln’s speed this quarter which they make the most of. Lincoln takes the quarter with a decent lead 49-34.

The final quarter starts with an injury for Kia Toa. The game becomes quite physical with Annabel Adams (Lincoln GS) and Rosie Stewart (Kia Toa GK) fighting for space in the circle. Intensity picks up this quarter with Kia Toa getting a few early turnovers, however they are unable to score from these and the ball travels up and down the court. Laura Dorgan (Lincoln C) was reading the play well and was able to get a beautiful intercept. This gave her team confidence and the quarter turned in Lincoln’s favour. In the end Kia Toa did very well to adapt to Lincoln’s style of play. Their attack worked the circle well and managed to get through a tight defence. Lincoln proved to be too strong however and they won the game 61-44.

Lincoln Uni A 61 (GS  M Borst  20/27, GS  A Adams  15/23, GA B James   12/15, GA  K Grant   14/19) def Kia Toa A 44 (GS  R Petero  15/17, GS  C Glue 5/7, GA  C Corbett 24/30).

Article added: Saturday 27 April 2019