PREMIER DIVISION

NEW BODY FITNESS 58

EXPERT CATERING 26

DIVISION newcomers Expert Catering were no match for league titans, New Body Fitness, in this top-flight clash.

New Body took an early lead, picking off interceptions from Expert’s centre passes and utilising them.

Tactical changes by Expert saw them start to pull back but even the superb defence of GD Julie Naylor and GK Kirsty Sibley could not prevent New Body shooters finding opportunities for goals.

The last half of the match seemed more even, with changes made to both teams and the game settling into a rhythm.

Catering suffered some injuries to their C and GD but great depth on their bench meant that substitutes Laura Osborne and Laren Kenney were able to more than fill the shoes of their injured counterparts.

Towards the end, pressure from New Body started to force small errors in Catering’s play, allowing New Body to capitalise and send the ball down to their shooters, Annie Usher (GS) and Sue Lee (GA), who did not miss a shot, giving New Body a comfortable win.

DIVISION ONE

BAY FENCING 9

BUGLERS 39

NEWLY-PROMOTED Bay Fencing suffered at the hands of relegated Buglers.

Buglers quickly pulled ahead, despite a closely contested quarter, but Bay Fencing did not let the Buglers out of their sight.

As the sun set over the courts and natural light was replaced by a more artificial glow, the battle continued as these two skilled and intense teams fought for the win.

The superb quality of the game-play was not reflected in the score though, as Buglers’ impenetrable defence thwarted Bay’s attempts at goal.

However, Bay remained optimistic and committed throughout the match in spite of the decisive victory for Buglers.

DIVISION TWO

ARTIFEX B 35

COASTAL CHEESE 25

ARTIFEX came out on top in this top-two contest.

Fiercely contested from the start, this match saw strong play from both sides.

Artifex moved the ball well across court, utilising the width of the court to retain possession.

Coastal responded with excellent defensive work from GD Steph Jones and GK Jemima Hunter but Artifex C Sue Stevens, displayed almost telepathic ability to pass the ball into space as it was being created, giving her shooters optimal opportunity to score.

The mid-quarters saw grit and determination from Coastal.

Their defence worked hard to collect rebounds and intercept balls.

Their shooters made good use of every opportunity and match Artifex goal for goal in the second quarter.

Artifex WA Rosie Barton, came on at half-time and brought renewed energy to her team, using space well to drive the ball towards her shooters.

In the dying quarter of the game, Coastal gave it their all, but it was not enough to close the gap built over four quarters of solid play from the Artifex team, who finished the match 10 goals clear.

DIVISION TWO

MERAKI 40

OJOS 50

OJOS dominated from the outset against their basement opponents, instantly setting the tone for the match.

Meraki worked hard to overcome OJO’s experience with their exuberance, but OJOs’ steady passing and unflappable play kept them in the lead.

Meraki changed up their defence, moving Chloe Walden to GK, who put intense pressure on OJOs’ shooting team.

In spite of this, OJOs’ unflappable shooters, GS Lou Taylor and GA Mandy Grafton, managed to double the goal difference.

Both teams moved the ball well across court with Meraki C Maddy Moore, working well to support ball movement across court.

Changes to Meraki’s line-up in the final quarter, opened up their attack and allowed them to put points on the board but OJOs had the win in the bag.

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