NETBALL has been in the limelight this week, with our national team, the English Roses, making history with their first ever gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Our local ladies are once again tightening their trainers, as the summer season of the South West Dorset League is underway.

Twenty-three teams, including two new entries took to the courts, with plenty of excitement to be had for both players and spectators.

The league offers a number of ways to access netball; including Walking Netball, Back to Netball and Junior Netball at various times through the year and can provide details for current teams looking for new members.

Contact secretaryswdnetball@hotmail.co.uk for more information or visit the website southwestdorsetnetball.co.uk

Division One

ALLWAYS REMOVALS 28

BUGLERS 50

BUGLERS (previously Girling and Bowditch) got their season up and running in style with a comprehensive victory over Allways.

Buglers made a solid start with strong passing across the court.

Superb teamwork from Buglers’ Elena Wood (GS) and Kat Frampton (GA) allowed them to carve out a small lead for their team.

Allways responded with heightened defensive pressure and effective use of rebounds to lower the score difference, but Buglers remained strong and precise, ending the quarter nine points ahead.

The middle periods saw great determination from Allways’ attackers to fend off Buglers’ defence. Buglers showed their strength, however, dominating the court to increase their lead with confident passing and accurate shooting.

Some excellent teamwork from Allways’ Steph Leyland (GS) and Catherine Simmons (WA) helped to reduce the difference, despite a solid defence from Buglers. However, in the end it was Buglers who came out on top thanks to outstanding, spirited play.

Division Two

NMP PROPERTY 15

DDBI 25

THE FIRST quarter was evenly-matched but it was DDBI who took the spoils.

Despite an injury to their GS early on, DDBI were able to finish the quarter one goal ahead.

Play remained close through the middle quarters, with NMP evening out the scoreline.

Both teams showed great determination, fighting for possession for every ball.

DDBI’s WD Kathryn Scott made some key interceptions to move the ball down to her shooters.

GA Kayleigh McGlynn worked tirelessly in the circle to make the most of scoring opportunities.

She soon found her rhythm, allowing DDBI to gain a substantial lead.

NMP upped their game in the centre-court, with great teamwork from defensive duo Megan Edwards (C) and Eve Van Der Steen (WD).

However, DDBI fought back, managing to increase their lead and claim the victory.

Division Two

OJOS B 16

BASEPOINT 27

BASEPOINT claimed the honours to bag the points as they saw off OJos.

Both teams came out with superb energy, taking every opportunity to gain possession.

Basepoint’s WD Jennie Chaloner exerted remarkable pressure in the mid-court, however, OJOs showed great attacking strength to push ahead and gain a small lead by the end of the first quarter.

Basepoint came back fighting, with fantastic movement in the circle by GS Emily Peacock allowing her team to make a steady comeback and eventually pull ahead of their opponents slightly.

OJOs responded with great determination; dynamic play from C Robyn Dennis, made some good space in the mid-court but a sturdy Basepoint defence ensured OJOs were unable to capitalise on this.

Both teams gave their all right until the end. Despite their best efforts, OJOs were unable to regain the lead and Basepoint claimed the victory, thanks to patient, tactical play and great determination.

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