2 weeks of Cup & Plate matches (1 either side of Christmas) and the knockout stages commence.
PLATE – Hinckley Hornettes have won the Plate 2 years in a row and were determined to make it 3 from 3. So taking on Gracedieu Pearls, there was a lot at stake. Neither team have played each other, as they have been in different divisions both seasons and a closely fought match meant either team could win. However it was Pearls who took the victory today and knocked Hornettes out of the competition.
CUP – Blaby were also defending their Cup title. Measham Tridents were hoping to stop them but were unable to find their rhythm until the 2nd half of the match. By then it was too late and with a couple of injuries breaking their stride, Tridents were knocked out of the Cup.
PLATE – Swadlincote Starlings lost to Hornettes in the Plate Final in 2017 and in the Plate Semi-Final in 2018, so, with a slight spring in their step, took to the court to face Bosworth Thorns. Having drawn their 1st League match of the season, both teams wanted to better the other and it didn’t taken long for Starlings to pull ahead. A couple of changes for Thorns couldn’t help them catch up and Starlings have made it through to the next round of the Plate
CUP – Swadlincote Swifts faced Bosworth Roses. A couple of Thorns players seemed to have the energy to play for Roses, I’m no sure how as they had been excellent in the Thorns match. Swifts put on a strong performance and following in Starlings’ footsteps were able to defeat Bosworth’s side.
Congratulations to Blaby and Swifts for progressing into the next round of the CUP and to Starlings and Pearls for progressing onto the next round of the PLATE.
Commiserations to Hornettes, Tridents, Roses and Thorns for being knocked out.
The draw for the Quarter Finals will take place after the other 8 teams have played. The Quarter Finals will take place on 10 February 2019 at Newbridge High School, so winning teams should put this in their diaries. There will be 2 Plate and 2 Cup matches with 1 team from both the Cup and Plate getting the 3rd and final Bye to the Semi-Finals.
 46 - 42Plate 2018/19 Newbridge High School Gracedieu Pearls vs Hinckley Hornettes |
22 - 58Cup 2018/19 Newbridge High School Measham Tridents vs Blaby |
22 - 40Plate 2018/19 Newbridge High School Bosworth Thorns vs Swadlincote Starlings |
21 - 49Cup 2018/19 Newbridge High School Bosworth Roses vs Swadlincote Swifts |