WATERSIDE bounced back from the disappointment of finishing third in the summer netball league to seize a 39-29 victory over GW Electricals and go top of the South and West Dorset League.

However, in the opening game of the winter Division One season, GW did not make it easy for Waterside, and strong mid-court play from Vicky Hallett, Rachel Keeley and Karen Hodgin moved the ball down the court with precision and ease.

But faultless shooting from Sue Lee and Carolyne McKay gave Waterside a healthy 23-13 half-time lead.

GW’s defensive pairing of Nicky Greenslade and Karen Lewis made some crucial interceptions in Waterside’s attacking zone, but Amy-Jane Hunter’s precision gave the Waterside shooters plenty of chances.

Waterside were forced to cope without shooter Sue Lee in the final 15 minutes, but they held on to secure their first win of the season.

Newly-promoted teams Stuart Barnes and Broadwey Motors went head-to-head in their first Division One fixture, but it was a one-sided affair.

Due to illness and injury, Broad-wey were only able to field five players, and Barnes ran out 68-16 winners.

Despite opening the scoring, Barnes played a fast-paced game and made full use of their two-player advantage.

Broadwey centre Claudia Crocker, battled valiantly, but her side were 31-5 down at half-time, and beginning to tire.

Shooters Carolyn Allgood and Sue Woolley netted confidently in the third quarter to give Barnes an unassailable lead, and despite impressive spirit, the final score was an accurate reflection of strong court play by Alison Spearing, Jess Buckseal and Jayne Guppy.

In the second division, Fowlers netted a winner in the dying seconds to scrape a 27-26 victory over Belle B. In a thrilling match Fowlers took a small lead after some loose handling by Belle, but the scrappy play by both sides in the second quarter ensured the score remained close.

Belle’s midcourt trio of Tori Naerger, Carly Dean and Tina Ironside worked tirelessly to create scoring opportunities but their shooters were unable to capitalise.

Fowlers’ defence of Christine Jones and Sue Barrett turned over numerous rebounds, releasing the ball quickly down the court and shooters Mel Dive and Mandy Grafton were on target almost every time to see the scores remain neck-and-neck.

Going into the final quarter Belle’s Olivia May scored from long-range to draw the score level.

In the dying minutes, Christine Jones was forced off with leg cramp, and Fowlers were forced to see out the match with six players, but with just seconds remaining they netted the winning goal.