ACTION in the South & West Dorset League returned after the Christmas break as players braced the cold weather and slippery courts.

COASTAL CHEESE 33

BAY FENCING 23

THIS proved a tight game from the lower half of the Premier Division, with Coastal Cheese beating Bay Fencing 33-23.

Both teams started strongly in defence and attack. This led to a very close first half, with the lead changing multiple times. Coastal managed to fight for a slim, two-goal lead going into half-time.

In the third quarter, it was Coastal who began to take control of the game, with consistently accurate attacking play and shooting.

READ MORE: Belle Construction claim emphatic win to stay top - round-up

Despite some dominant mid-court play from Bay C Kathy Sims and WA Hayley Stanton, Coastal pushed on in the final quarter and ended up with a reasonably comfortable win.

NEW BODY 36

BELLE CONSTRUCTION 54

BELLE Construction continued their domination of the top tier with a 54-36 over near rivals New Body.

Both teams worked well in the mid-court at the start of this game, with flying interceptions and strong catches despite the slippery court conditions.

The game was close throughout the first half, with New Body only a few goals behind and chasing Belle every step of the way.

In the third quarter, however, Belle put their foot down and pulled ahead on the scoreboard as the defensive pressure mounted on New Body.

Despite great intercepts from New Body defenders Jen Lewis and Verity Batchelor, Belle maintained their lead in the final quarter and took the win.

LULWORTH LIGHTNING 26

MERAKI 57

MERAKI clinched a resounding 57-26 win over Lulworth Lightning in Division One.

This game started with a Lulworth centre and a subsequent quick attack towards their goal, matched by excellent defence from Meraki.

Strong rebounds from Lulworth GD Kat King and GK Jo Davies kept their team going but Meraki pushed on, supported by strong defence throughout the court.

Lulworth kept their heads up and stayed close at the end of the quarter.

Strong passes into the circle from Meraki gave them the chance to maintain their lead in the second quarter, however, Lulworth’s circle defence continued their good work and efforts to keep their team in the game.

Thanks to the accurate shooting of GA Lanni Sellick and GS Mandy Grafton, Meraki found themselves 15 goals up at half-time.

Lulworth came back onto court with renewed energy, while GA Madison Carter provided some dynamic attacking play. Meraki, now only needing to protect their lead, kept their play steady and composed throughout the second half to secure a solid win.

WJNC WILDCATS 19

PORTLAND PIRATES 62

DIVISION Two table toppers Portland Pirates defeated 62-19 to maintain their charge for promotion.

Both teams kicked off this match quickly, with a fast goal each. What followed in the first quarter was some competitive, end-to-end play, which was to continue for the whole match.

Despite some great athleticism and control from Wildcats' attack, Portland kept the defensive pressure up and had a healthy lead going into half-time.

Portland had a positive return to the court for the start of the second half, with some super passing around the circle.

Both teams showed great attacking play in their respective circles, however it was Portland’s composure and control that saw them take the win.