Division One

CRESTA LEISURE 54 GW ELECTRICAL 41

CRESTA bagged a vital win to ease their relegation worries.

Both sides started evenly, with accurate, consistent shooting from both teams.

Cresta’s goal-attack Alison Sperning repeatedly showed great movement in the D and her shooting was precise from the start. After a fast-paced quarter, Cresta held a slight advantage at 13-10.

Both Cresta and GW changed their line-ups for the second period. GW’s defence made every effort to close the deficit, but despite their best attempts, Cresta’s shooters – Denise Meyers and Chantelle Lewis – were on top form and rarely missed the net, helping their side to storm ahead 32-18.

GW made more changes, which proved beneficial as the gap between the teams decreased. GW’s court play worked well and in this quarter they closed the deficit to only five goals at 39-34.

Cresta’s shooters then put their mark on the game and scored an incredible 15 goals to claim victory.

LUGGER INN 43 BOHO BEARS 25

LUGGER earned a crucial victory in this basement battle with the Bears.

Goal-shooter Elaine Robertson and goal-attack Claire Butler for Lugger were on top form, scoring 14 goals in the first quarter.

Boho’s shooters tried their hardest to stem the tide, but the quarter finished 14-6 to the Lugger.

Both teams made tactical changes to start the next period, with Lugger reserve Becky Green coming on as goal-keeper and Boho switching Olivia May from goal-attack to goal-shooter.

These tactics led to a more evenly matched quarter throughout the court. The game was of a high quality – with both teams scoring eight goals to bring the half-time score to 22-14.

Lugger’s goal-defence Rachel Scarff shone in the third quarter, making some magnificent interceptions against Boho goal-attack Sarah Collingwood, and her side slightly extended their lead to 33-19.

Lugger continued to increase their advantage with exceptional court play from the versatile Green, who was now playing at wing-attack, Butler and Janet Parker.

Boho tried their best to stop Lugger from advancing, but even the great efforts of Robyn Acutt, Rebecca Cameron and Carly Dean, could not stop Lugger.

BELLE CONSTRUCTION 72 LUGGER INN 20

HIGH-FLYING Belle overcame the basement girls in comprehensive fashion.

Belle started strongly with good pressure by goal-keeper Clare Stenhouse, who donned a defensive bib instead of the usual goal-shooter.

And there was great interplay by the two Belle shooters – Jo Peters and Kelly Browne – who barely missed a shot.

After the first interval, both teams made a change with the new players challenging each other at wing-attack and wing-defence.

Belle’s replacement, Caitlin Dive, played accurate feeds into the circle for her shooters to convert.

Belle’s centre then suffered an ankle injury but stalwart Lisa Stap-leton stepped up to take her place and she continued with the flow of the game, to leave the half-time score 29-9 in Belle’s favour.

Lugger made a tactical change for the second half, moving Scarff to goal-defence where her excellent timing and interceptions had a positive impact by restricting her opponents’ shots at goal, and allowing new shooter Parker more opportunities in the shooting circle.

Lugger continued to battle hard, especially goal-attack Butler, who was carrying an injury from the previous night’s match, but they were no match for the high-fliers.

Dive found her form during the final quarter, creating excellent space and providing her peers with firm and direct passes, and Belle demonstrated why they are chasing the title.

WESSEX FALCONS 46 CASEY COMETS 23

WESSEX Falcons soared over the Comets to claim victory.

Falcons’ goal-attack Emma Deacon started strongly and made good use of the court.

Coupled with superb defending from the circle defence, her side took an early 14-5 lead.

The Comets settled more during the second quarter, with consistent shooter Emma Wakely finding her form, but Wessex showed why they had beaten some of the top sides this season, and played some textbook netball.

Wessex’s wing-defence Ellen Blackwood maintained the pressure throughout the game, limiting her opponents’ feeds to the circle.

Casey attacked more during the final quarter but it was too late to attempt a comeback as Falcons had the game in their pocket, claiming a well-deserved five points.

Division Three

STICKLANDS 32 NEW IMAGE 16

LEAGUE leaders New Image struggled from the off with only six players available.

The first quarter was full of high quality netball, and was very evenly matched, with Sticklands holding a narrow 8-6 lead.

The second period saw excellent court play from Sticklands’ Mel Dawson (wing-attack), Heather Simmons (wing-defence) and Emma Parry (centre).

The trio got the ball to the shooters but they struggled against New Image’s defenders – Karen Roberts and Fiona Willcox.

Sticklands’ Dawson then suffered an injury to the face and had to be replaced by Caroline Kellaway.

However, Sticklands continued to hold the upper hand and scored an astonishing 12 goals in the final quarter to complete a shock win over the table-toppers.

TOYMASTER 49 BENNETTS 29

BENNETTS were at a disadvantage from the beginning as they were once again a player down.

Toymaster’s extra player created a lot of space in the final third while goal-attack Charlotte Reid and goal-shooter Carrie Dench found good spaces in the D.

Bennetts showed great resolve and at the end of the first quarter were only three points behind at 13-10.

Toymaster defenders, goal-keeper Emily Park and goal-defence Corin March, worked well together, helping to extend their side’s lead with good interceptions.

Bennetts’ centre Sarah Garman shone in this quarter, working hard and finding space constantly.

Bennetts’ defenders were superb in the last five minutes but could not close the deficit with Toymaster finishing 28-14 ahead.

Bennetts used the next quarter to their advantage, even after losing another player to leave them with only five competitiors.

However, they still found space and goal-defence Zoe McClusker made up for the lack of players. T

oymaster’s shooting was not as on par as it had been but they still held their lead, ending the quarter 39-21 up.

Bennetts fought well for the hour and showed great resilience but it was Toymaster who claimed the points.

STICKLANDS 16 TOYMASTER 41

TOYMASTER had the extra edge in this contest with Sticklands.

The former took an early lead despite starting the game a player short.

Excellent defending by wing-defence Emily Park kept Sticklands’ wing-attack out of the game.

Sticklands’ goal-shooter Becki Lingham secured some excellent space in the circle, which helped her team feed her the ball.

Toymaster continued to hold the advantage with fast and strong passing, and held a slim 13-9 lead at half-time.

Excellent teamwork by centre Sandra Chaplin saw Toymaster continue in the ascendancy in the second half.

Her shooters found their form and the Sticklands’ defence could do nothing to stop them from edging further ahead.

SGM HAIR 49 BENNETTS 21

BENNETTS battled valiantly but, with only six players, finally succumbed to SGM.

The first quarter was extremely close, with goals being scored end to end. SGM found their form during the second period and began to take advantage of having the extra player.

Excellent defending by SGM’s circle defence of Diane Durden and Olivia Simson provided many turnovers, adding to their scoreline.

Bennetts failed to take their opportunities but wing-attack Serena Wellman fought hard throughout, never giving up and trying to make up for their missing player.

However, the strength of SGM was too much for the depleted Bennetts side.

* For further information on the adult and junior leagues visit south westdorsetnetball.co.uk