This match saw last year’s division one champions and runners-up pitted against each other for the first time this season.

After a number of postponed matches as a result of the bad weather, both sides started slowly. However it was Hornets who took the early initiative, with their defence seizing a number of interceptions, making it difficult for Ferns’ to convert any chances. To their credit Ferns managed to weather the storm and through a number of defensive interceptions themselves, courtesy of Zoe Hannah (WD) Lizzie Hughes (GD) and Captain Vicky Heap (GK), a platform was created for the attack. The first quarter ended a close 9-8 to Hornets. The second quarter saw Hornets increase their advantage.

Their tall defensive pairing restricted Ferns’ shooting opportunities, although when they did occur Emma McAra (GS) and Catherine Hudson (GA) shot ably from long-range. By half-time Hornets had extended their lead to seven. Ferns held their own for the remainder of the match, playing some slick attacking netball at times with some accurate passing inter-changes from Tracey Kingswood (GK), Alice Hardy (C) and George Radcliffe (WA). However, after making some tactical adjustments for the final quarter Hornets re-asserted their advantage and the game ended 39-26. Despite recording their second league defeat in a row, Ferns can be buoyed by the fact that Hornets have scored over fifty points in all their matches this season.

Such a closely contested match demonstrated that Ferns are still a force to be reckoned with and will be looking forward to re-starting after the Christmas break.