Division One

WESSEX FALCONS A 34 WATERSIDE 32

FALCONS caused an upset after beating leaders Waterside in this top-of-the-table clash.

Both teams started strongly with Waterside slowly creeping ahead with superb shooting from league stalwart Susan Lee.

Wessex managed to reduce the deficit during the second quarter with some fantastic court play by centre and wing-attack Bryony Gould and Rachel Senior, and at half-time it was level-pegging at 15 each.

The game remained tight, with the lead being swapped by both sides, making it a close and exciting contest to watch.

With Waterside leading by one goal going into the final quarter it was all to play for.

Falcons were the more determined side after the final break, and with accurate shooting they managed to gain their first victory over the reigning champions.

AUTOBITZ 26 BELLE CONSTRUCTION 41

BELLE made a strong start and stormed into a 14-3 lead.

Autobitz were without their star-shooter Liz Courtice, which added unwanted pressure.

Bitz continued to work hard, defending well, but it was Belle’s shooters, particularly Clare Sten-house, who were the more consistent, and they held a 27-7 lead at half-time.

Autobitz improved their passing during the third quarter, and along with some team changes they recouped some much needed goals.

Excellent defending by wing-defence Mel Leins pressurised Belle’s attack into making some errors.

Belle made changes at every quarter, showing their versatility and ensuring their younger players gained valuable court time.

Bitz remained positive throughout but Belle claimed a comfortable victory.

Division Two

PARKERS PROPERTY 31 O JO’S 39

YET another close fixture, with O Jo’s setting the standard of play and taking an early 8-5 lead.

The rain made the court slippery and players found it difficult to keep their footing, which slowed the game down considerably.

Parkers managed to keep themselves in the hunt with superb shooting from Linda Walker and Jane Murray.

O Jo’s’ circle defence of Louise Taylor and Ellie Mutter worked well together, pressurising every shot from Parkers’ accurate shooters.

However, Parkers kept amassing the points and closed the deficit to just one goal going into the last quarter.

O Jo’s team-talk must have given them the inspiration they required as they returned to the court with a more confident approach – one which enabled them to claim a much-needed five points.

Division Three

Poundbury 34 SGM HAIR 38

THIS inter-club contest was set to be tight, with the second and third-placed sides competing for the points.

Poundbury edged ahead but vital interceptions by SGM goal-keeper Helen Norcombe kept her side in the game.

The teams were very evenly matched, however, it was SGM who had a fantastic quarter, enhanced by dominating play from wing-defence Sally Miller, and they gained an 18-16 lead at half-time.

Poundbury continued to work hard, with great play by goal-attack Catherine Earnshaw.

However, their fighting spirit was missing due to the friendship between the teams and it was underdogs SGM who gained the victory, beating their club-mates who are positioned above them in the table.

* Congratulations go to Sarah Collingwood (Boho Bears) and Fiona Wilcox (New Image) for passing their beginners’ umpire awards.

* For further information on the adult and junior leagues visit the website southwest dorsetnetball.co.uk