Somerset Division 1
Neptune 41, Harlequins 40

NEPTUNE had a new line-up this weekend, but they were fired up from England’s Commonwealth Games win in the morning and wanted to prove that they are a team not to be messed with.

From the first whistle, Aiste Mockeliunaite (C) linked up with her team-mates to pass the ball down the court to the shooting D, where Flora Horrox (GS) was holding her space beautifully and put the shots away with ease, as the quarter finished 14-9.

The second quarter saw player of the match Cerys Ethridge (WA) drive tirelessly into spaces onto the ball and then fire the ball quickly and accurately into Katie Harris (GA), who converted them into goals, managing to stretch their lead to 25-19.

The defence saw some more action and although Abbie Newton (GD) plucked the ball out of the air Neptune just couldn’t get it down the court to the shooters, ending the quarter trailing 33-32.

Harris and Ethridge switched back for the last quarter and with good blocking by Emily Harwood (GK) and impressive interceptions by Katie Anthony (WD), Neptune were able to control the game and finished with a win 41-40 – their first victory of the season.

POM: Cerys Ethridge; opposition POM: Flora Horrox; sponsor: TMB Patterns Ltd

Somerset Division 2
Venus 31, Spears 37​​

WITH slow starts costing them dear in previous matches, Venus were determined not to make the same mistake this time.

Centre passes were converted into early goals from Kayleigh Martin-Haste (GS) and Isobel Innalls (GA), leaving the home side trailing by one at quarter time.

Venus continued to play some of their best netball of the season in the second quarter, with the intensity of play being maintained at a high level.

The pressure applied by Chris Durant (GD) resulted in a number of turnovers against her taller opponent and her support down the court was invaluable.

Down by two at the start of the third quarter, the experienced pairing of Chris Shaw (WA) and Elaine Bowerman (C) kept the ball moving around the attacking third, seizing every opportunity to make successful feeds into the shooters.

Ashlea Slater (GK) intercepted incoming passes and combined well with Tiffany Brice, who had a strong game at wing defence.

Venus were desperate to close the three-goal deficit going into the final 15 minutes, but as the minutes ticked by, wayward passes gave Spears the edge to claim victory.

OPOM: Kayleigh Martin Haste

Somerset Division 3
Mars 44, Minstrels 39

STARTING the first quarter, Mars were able to bring the ball down the court well with Izzy Innalls (WA) and Jess Chee (C) supporting.

The end of the first quarter ended 9-8 to Mars.

In the next quarter, Mars continued to work effortlessly to get the ball into the shooting circle and Sharon Ethridge (GA) and Becky Kennard (GS), with Jazz Alexander (GD) and Andrea Martin-Haste (GK) turning the ball over in the opposition’s shooting circle, as the second quarter ended 17-17.

In the third quarter, Mars made a rotation which bought Kayleigh Martin-Haste (GA) on, and she made a positive impact as Mars started to pull away, ending it 32-28 ahead.

In the final quarter Mars gave 100 per cent, showing great team spirit with motivational encouragement from their supporters.

In what was a brilliant end to the match, Mars won by 44 goals to 39.

POM: Jess Chee

County Junior League

BRIDGWATER Under-12s played their final matches of the season at Strode.

The A team were narrowly beaten 14-13 by Keinton in their first match.

In their second game they were leading Taunton A 10-4 at half time.

Taunton were unbeaten going into this match and were determined to finish that way, so they would win the league.

They made changes to their shooting circle which enabled them to turn around the deficit in the third quarter.

The final quarter saw some great netball by both teams, but Taunton won 18-13 after a fine contest.

The B team, with a number of players playing their first competitive matches, had a hard first match against Taunton B, who won 15-2.

But Bridgwater’s second match against Keinton B was much more closely contested.

Keinton won 7-2 but the girls can be proud of the effort they put in.