PREMIER DIVISION

BELLE CONSTRUCTION 43

NEW BODY FITNESS 34

NEW Body showed their strength early on, but unbeaten Belle rose to the occasion and seized a 43-34 victory in the South & West Dorset League.

Both teams started strong, with evenly-matched play across the court. However, New Body held their space brilliantly and made the most of every ball to edge ahead by two points.

A tactical change for Belle saw Charlie Naerger take on a more defensive role to make some crucial interceptions.

Belle dominated possession but New Body’s defenders applied good pressure to maintain their lead, although an injury for New Body left them a player down in the third quarter.

Belle duly took advantage, upping their game to take a small lead going into the final quarter.

Play evened out as New Body returned with a full team and with the victory within reach, both teams gave their all.

Despite some excellent challenges from New Body’s defence, Belle pulled further ahead to ensure they secured the win in this tense top-tier game.

DIVISION ONE

TEAM WAIKIKI 18

CANNADOX 27

CANNADOX claimed a low-scoring 27-18 win over Team Waikiki victory to preserve their 100 per cent record.

A fast-paced first quarter saw astute tactical play with strong defence on both sides keeping scoring to a minimum.

Cannadox gained confidence as they moved the ball expertly around the circle, allowing their shooters to find the net and carve out a small lead.

Cannadox pushed ahead, with solid play from centre-court duo Sammy Whisker and Sarah Garman. Waikiki’s C, Jo Baldwin, created some good opportunities but her shooters struggled to overcome their opponents’ rigid defence.

Cannadox came back after half-time with even more enthusiasm; players encouraged each other as the ball moved seamlessly across court to rack up the points.

Waikiki upped their game, however, making a more even quarter as they kept Cannadox from increasing the score difference.

The final quarter proved to be the highest-scoring for both teams, gaining eight points each. However, early success for Cannadox carried through as they ended in triumph.

DIVISION TWO

OJOS 47

BEAMINSTER BRAVES 24

OJOs asserted their dominance to claim an impressive 47-24 victory over Beaminster Braves.

Braves started well, with strong tactical play from C, Kathy Simms. OJOs responded with some fast passes and excellent long-distance shots from Mandy Grafton (GS) carving out a small lead for her team.

Braves upped their game in their D, making great use of rebounds with fantastic shooting. However, OJOs were a well-oiled machine as they racked up points from Braves’ centre passes as well as their own.

Tensions increased in the third quarter, making for a more physical game but OJOs dominated once again to extend their lead significantly.

Braves upped their game to gain a string of points, although a tough defence from OJOs kept them from lowering the score difference.

In the end, OJOs claimed a convincing victory after a strong display of highly-skilled netball.