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Hertfordshire Mavericks always seem to start the season slowly and the 2011-12 season is not different.
The long awaited opening match of the season saw Mavericks pitted against last year's finalists, Surrey Storm. Storm were out for revenge against their local rivals in a packed Hertfordshire Sports Village.
The game was fast right from the start. For the first 10 minutes, there was nothing to separate the two teams. Both defences were in top form, with turnover ball quickly converted at either end, but it was the shooting prowess of Storm's England line up of Rachel Dunn and Pam Cookey that edged the first quarter 13-10.
Storm's marking was very tight, with Mavericks having to work very hard to move the ball up court, defence often helping out in attack. Sasha Corbin and Rose Morgan-Smith worked overtime to get the ball in to shooters Shaunagh Craig and Vicklyn Joseph. Every slight mistake was punished by the visitors, who stretched their lead to 6 points at half time.
The third quarter saw Mavericks Youth stalwart, Alice Ewer, make her debut. In a baptism of fire, the Storm defence were all over her, but she fought hard for every ball and her shooting was particularly impressive, as the strong Storm defence forced her to shoot from long range. Storm dominated the quarter, pulling 16 points clear at 50-34.
Two more young Mavericks players made their debuts in the final quarter: Steffi Burt at GS and Josie Huckle at GK. It was more like Josie Hustle as she fought for every ball and brought huge roars from the crowd each time she made an interception. Lindsay Keable and Camilla Buchanan were also excellent in defence, and every half chance of possession was taken. All 7 players worked their socks off, Sasha and Rose covering an enormous amount of ground, and Lindsay and Camilla both backing up the attack from the centre third. The incredible work rate saw Mavericks edge the quarter 13-12, but the deficit was too big to make up, and Storm ran out 62 - 47 winners.
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