AFTER four rounds of friendly matches to allow teams to adjust to Covid-19 rule modifications, the South West Dorset Netball League roared back into action, writes Lea Holmes.

The evening was filled with old rivalries, a new team and inter-club matches. Most importantly, everyone was thrilled to be back on court competing after the pandemic.

BUGLERS 35

EXPERT CATERING 41

ONCE they settled into the intensity, newly promoted Premier Division side Buglers competed fiercely with Expert Catering but suffered a 41-35 loss.

Despite Expert capitalising on early errors from Buglers, some impressive accuracy from Bugler’s GS, Emily England, kept them in the game.

Buglers then came flying out of the blocks in the second quarter with a run of four unanswered goals and they went into half-time with a one-goal advantage.

Defensive changes and quicker play from Expert in the third quarter allowed their shooting combination of Rachel Scarff and Lauren Hunt to dominate the scoring.

Expert carried this steady confidence into the final quarter and claimed their first win of the season.

LULWORTH LIGHTNING 38

TEAM WAIKIKI 33

LULWORTH Lightning beat Team Waikiki 38-33 in Division One, although strong defensive starts from both teams kept the first quarter score fairly low.

Pressure from Lulworth meant they lead at quarter time and Waikiki’s GA Lin Rawcliffe scored some impressive long shots to keep them just two goals behind.

Lulworth started the second quarter well, with some good movement and accurate shooting from GS Sofia Voss and GA Madison Carter.

However, hard work and good interceptions from Waikiki’s GD Jo Baldwin meant they led by two at half-time.

Despite the confidence this gave Waikiki at the start of the second half, Lulworth’s determination in defence, resulting in important turnovers from their GD Jo Davies and GK Jo Carter, and accuracy under the post secured them the win in this tightly fought game.

BAY FENCING 36

WEYMOUTH JUNIOR NETBALL CLUB (WJNC) 20

ALSO in Division One, Bay Fencing overcame Weymouth Junior Netball Club 36-20.

Bay’s midcourt started this game with lots of confidence and great movement through court but the young WJNC side held their own with great defence, particularly from GD Anna Charles.

This continued into the second quarter, however an injury to WJNC GA Erin Purnell meant they had to change their line-up.

Bay capitalised on this and pulled away going into half-time by putting heavy pressure on WJNC and making them work hard for the ball.

The second half saw Bay continue in the same way, now combined with accurate long range shooting from Jessica Pym and Ella Stanton. Although WJNC used their sharp movement and changes of direction well to work the ball through court, the pressure from Bay’s defence, including intercepts by WD Kathy Syms, allowed them to take victory.

PORTLAND PIRATES 57

SANDSFOOT SIRENS 10

THIS inter-club match featured new team Sandsfoot fall 57-10 to now well-established Portland Pirates in Division Two.

Although there were strong passes across the court from both sides, the experience of Portland shooters Candice Barton and Jane Bayley meant they could establish an early lead.

Sandsfoot started the second quarter with more determination, but Portland’s defence continued to intercept pass after pass, leaving Sandsfoot short of shooting opportunities.

Changes in the third quarter for Sandsfoot, including the introduction of Ali Holmes at GK brought fresh energy to the side in the second half.

Despite this renewed confidence, Portland’s defence continued to dominate with some impressive interceptions from GD Kat King. Ultimately, Portland’s experience paid off and they took the win.