Hatters Take TN Scalp

Team Northumbria were always the underdogs going into their latest clash against the Sheffield Hatters.

And Deirdre Hayes’ side were handed a 95-44 beating to send them spiralling towards the foot of the table.

The game was a story of poor shooting and hesitant defence - quickly exploited by the Hatters whose slick passing and quick tempo gave them a 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

TN were given a stern talk by playercaller Hayes and came out in the second phase much more upbeat and looked like they could possibly get back into the match.

But with a shooting return of less than 50%, they could not even come within 10 points of their opponents at any time in the game.

And Hayes admitted: “It’s really difficult to not be frustrated as at the start of the season we were looking positive and looking to be in a much better position than we are now.”

TN’s poor form has not been helped by the monumental injury list that the Hayes has had to deal with – often forced to play players out of position.

But one key figure who played well against Sheffield was Cat Carr who tried to fuel a fightback for the hosts only to see the Hatters storm to victory.

And Hayes added: “Cat played well. I think she felt frustrated like the rest of us but she’s another one who is playing out of position and I am still pleased with her effort and performance level.

“And it must be hard for a player coming over here to play out of position and in a weakened team due to our injuries.”

TN now have their backs against the wall and their next two games are must-win fixtures in Hayes’ eyes as her side play the Durham Wildcats and Leeds Carnegie - both fighting at the bottom with TN.

Hayes also added that key player Ta’Yani Clark may be back next week to give her players a timely boost.

The American’s partnership with Carr was beginning to click and the guard’s return will see a return to some kind of normality for injury-ravaged TN.

Michael Race

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