ARETHUSANS Netball Club is now in its sixth year of success – the South & West Dorset League’s very own ‘Pink Ladies’.

The club boasts more than 30 registered players (three teams), seven umpires including an England umpiring mentor and five qualified coaches (holding UKCC Level One – to the coveted Level Three). The club is fortunate to be sponsored by two thriving local businesses – Belle Construction Ltd and Boho Bar – who provide much needed financial support.

With Arethusans having dominated local top-flight netball for a number of seasons, the club has more recently gone through a development stage with club manager Kelly Browne quick to recognise the strengths of new recruits.

She said: “We’re fortunate to have secured key new signings during the past season, including Anna Godwin who has strengthened Boho B, although this has been at the expense of established club members leaving for university, such as Danielle Hodkinson (who now plays alongside England’s Sonia Mkloma).”

With all three teams focused on following their own personal goals, there seems plenty to get excited about. Belle have chalked up many league titles to date, and claimed another runners-up spot this season.

After a spell out of the top-spot limelight they are vying to conquer Division One when the Summer Season returns.

Recently back in the fold after a break are league stalwarts Browne, Clare Stenhouse and Louise Bugler, with the latter excited to be back after having a baby and looking to galvanise the rest of her team to claim the honours.

Boho A are now captained by Carly Dean and she has proved to be a danger in mid-court and a fierce threat for any challenging opponent.

Her team narrowly escaped relegation during the Summer 2011 season and during the recent campaign were fixed on raising the standards by assuming a more consistent side each week that reflects their young talent.

Dean is assisted in the decisions by Tori Naerger, and she has praised the efforts of her team-mates.

She said: “We certainly have what it takes to remain in top-flight netball.”

Boho B suffered relegation down into Division Three for the Winter 2011/2012 season, but to their credit they regrouped and stormed into pole position, winning the league while remaining unbeaten.

Team captain Stella Campbell said: “We have been playing with conviction and have learned huge amounts from playing at the higher level – we are over the moon that we have recouped some silverware.”