Netball Club trip to Saracens Mavericks
On Saturday 19th March, 20 netball club members went to watch local Vitality Netball Superleague team Saracens Mavericks play Leeds Rhinos at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Village. From their courtside seats, the children were able to see up close the fast paced, physical nature of top flight netball.
Unfortunately, Mavericks put themselves in a difficult position from the start, allowing the visitors to take an early 5-0 lead. After that, it was always a game of catch up for Mavericks as they tried to bring the scores level. It took until the last 3 minutes of the game for Mavericks to bring the score level, willed on by the sell-out crowd and especially the Prae Wood supporters. However, a mistake on a Mavericks' centre pass allowed Rhinos to take and maintain the lead with the game finishing 51-53 to Rhinos.
The excitement didn't end there, as the children were able to get even closer to the players during their post-match meet and greet. The children managed to get photos and autographs with many of the Mavericks players, and Mavericks' mascot Miranda the Meerkat, as well as Leeds Rhinos' star centre court player, Jade Clarke, who is England's most capped netball player making 179 appearances for the Roses. Mrs Paine was especially thrilled with her photo opportunity, spotting Gary Burgess, VNSL and international umpire (famous for his golden whistle), as he walked through the foyer after the match.