Premier Division

WATERSIDE 34

BELLE 35

BELLE Construction edged out Waterside in this top-flight thriller, writes Becky Barton.

Both teams started strongly, with fast-paced play from Waterside C’s Sue Stevens, and great defence from Belle GK, Lauren Letherland.

Waterside put pressure on Belle in the second quarter, however, Belle responded with some good movement by Annalise Dive and Leanne Holmes in attack.

The third quarter saw good communication from Belle’s defence but excellent shooting from Waterside duo Ali Holmes and Susan Lee, helped Waterside to close the gap going into the final quarter.

Both teams showed great stamina in the final period, resulting in an exhilarating watch for the spectators. Waterside put up a brave fight but Belle managed to seal the win in the dying seconds of the game.

CAFÉ OASIS 32

GIRLING & BOWDITCH 32

CAFÉ Oasis and Girling & Bowdith shared the honours in this nail-biting contest.

A lively first quarter saw excellent passing through mid-court from Oasis C Chloe Desmond. Both teams played with determination and good spirit, making it an excellent game to watch.

The second quarter saw Girling & Bowditch pull ahead, with great play from WA Gemma Pattern.

Café Oasis fought back with some excellent interceptions, and some great shooting from GA Holly Hansford, bringing both teams level at the end of the second quarter.

Girling and Bowditch made some tactical position changes in an effort to shake up the game.

The fast pace of play led to some wayward passes and errors from both sides but Girling’s GA, Sarah Allen, managed to carve out a one-goal lead for her team going into the final quarter.

Both teams came out fighting in the last period but despite Girling’s best attempts, they were not able to increase their lead. Café Oasis worked hard to regain control of the game and in the end, the teams finished level.

Division Two

STIKA 35

POTTING SHED 25

STIKA demolished Potting Shed with match-winning play.

Dorset County Hospital took the court for the first time under the name of their new sponsor, The Potting Shed.

However, it was Stika who made a stronger start with C, Lauren Robertson, controlling the mid-court with sharp and accurate passes.

Potting Shed’s GD Nat Lane, made some great interceptions for her team, limiting Stika’s lead.

Stika brought on some new players to change the dynamic of the game.

Both teams took advantage of stray passes to increase their goal count but by the third quarter, Stika was starting to pull ahead, thanks to sharp shooting by GA, Lizzie Bennett.

Potting Shed made some tactical positional changes leading to better defence in Stika’s goal third.

Potting Shed’s Megan Lewis proved a prominent force at centre in this last quarter but it was not enough to stem the flow of Stika’s attack and Stika finished the match with victory firmly in their grasp.

Division One

CRESTA LEISURE 39

ARTIFEX HOME IMPROVEMENTS 31

CRESTA took the spoils in a competitive clash with Artifex.

Cresta started the game with strong centre passes and excellent marking by GD, Lucy Astrid.

Artifex’ Sam Swanson, WA, provided some great creative circle passing to help her shooters improve their position but it was Cresta who took the quarter.

Artifex swapped their defenders in the second quarter, which proved to be an excellent move with Tasha Lund at GD making some fantastic interceptions for her team.

Cresta made good use of turnovers to cement their lead and Jane Guppy showed excellent skill at centre, feeding balls effortlessly into her shooters.

Artifex fought hard to narrow Cresta’s lead in the final quarter but ultimately these newcomers to Division One could not match Cresta’s experienced play.