Division Two

ALWAYS REMOVALS 30 STIKA 28

STIKA failed to take advantage of having an extra player throughout this first clash of the season.

Removals' Gilly Woodsford fought hard at goal-defence and made some key interceptions to help switch play and enable her team to take an early lead.

Stika started well in the second quarter, making some tactical changes in response to a strong first period by Always.

These moves evidently helped as the ball was fed into the circle well and Julie Bell converted some impressive shots to keep her team in the game.

The third period saw more positional changes, but in the Always’ line-up this time.

Fatigue had started to set in and mistakes were being made, helping Stika close the gap.

Injury struck in the opening stages of the final quarter, leading to changes in the Stika team once again.

Both teams fought very hard and despite some great play by Stika, and being up by one player throughout the game, Always took the win.

Premier Division

AUTOBITZ 34 POACHERS 28

BOTH teams started the match with only six players, but despite this Poachers were dominant from the get go thanks to excellent shooting from Sam Shewbridge.

Strong play and good movement by Sammy Whisker for Autobitz helped them gain a lot of possession which was fed nicely into their shooters and converted into goals. This left the first quarter at eight goals each.

Autobitz had settled into the game by the start of the second quarter and this saw them score four goals in quick succession.

A brilliant interception by Poachers’ Kelly Hedges saw her team try to keep themselves in the running, only trailing by one goal at this point.

The third quarter saw Mel Leins hit the target time and time again for Autobitz and despite Poachers fighting hard they struggled to find the net.

Both teams started the last quarter with a matter of urgency, but it was Bitz who triumphed thanks to strong passing and shooting.

Division One

BAY FENCING 39 CRESTA LEISURE 38

A GREAT start to the season in Division One saw Bay Fencing and Cresta Leisure produce a classic.

The teams traded goal for goal early on before Bay’s Corinne March made a key interception to help her side take the lead.

Bay continued with great court play by Sandra Firth and Hayley Stanton, however, Cresta took the lead due to great defending and precise shooting by Clare Butler.

The third quarter saw Cresta take advantage of several important interceptions and strong play by Jess Buckseall.

However, Bay did not back down courtesy of some impressive work and strong shooting.

Bay's determination in the final period earned them the win.

Division Two

OTC 26 CAFÉ OASIS 16

A STRONG start by Oasis saw them take control of the game.

However, they soon slowed down their play and OTC capitalised to claim the victory.

Both teams came back on court for the second quarter with a fighting spirit and both proved they were evenly matched.

Candice Barton made some great interceptions for Oasis, helping her team take a narrow lead, but OTC pulled it back with some good interceptions of their own.

OTC had settled down by the third quarter and, due to good spacing around the court and excellent shooting by Emma Mills and Bryony White, the game was now in their favour with a nine-goal lead.

OTC sped up their play to make the scoreline even more emphatic in their favour.

Oasis tried their best to get back in front with great shooting by Elaine Robertson, however, it was a little too late as the points went to OTC.