Sydenham Rubies claim first win of the season (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Sydenham Rubies claim first win of the season

4:00pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Sport

Sydenham Sapphires 41, Tone 33 SAPPHIRES travelled to Taunton to meet Tone and started the game strongly despite missing both selected shooters. Abi King and Helen Martin played well in the circle and helped Sapphires to a 10 - 6 lead at quarter time.

Hannah Read came on and at the other end of the court, strong defending from Karen Lewis and Sue Bushnell restricted Tone's attempts at goal as Sapphires lead 21-14 at half time.

The third quarter proved to be a tough one as Tone fought back to close the gap to 29-23.

But a real team effort, with Bushnell and Lewis dominating the defensive circle and Martin and Read the attacking circle saw a well deserved 41 - 33 win for Sapphires, with Karen Lewis voted player of the match.

Sydenham Rubies 34, Quantock 27 RUBIES claimed their first win of the season against Quantock and they started the game well, with Lynne Cornish stepping in at the last minute to cover illness.

She used her excellent foresight and movement to make several brilliantly well timed interceptions, linking well with Rachael Coles and Clare Tottle, to bring the ball down the court into the attacking end.

Great centre court play from Helen Martin, linking both ends, and together with Emma-Jayne Brown, placing accurate balls into Hannah Read and Abi King in the circle.

Rubies held the lead throughout the game, extending it every quarter to end the game and their first victory 34 - 27. Player of the match went to Abi King.

Sydenham Ambers 18, Monmouth 38 AMBERS played Monmouth and got off to a slow start with their opponents leading at the end of the quarter.

Monmouth's defensive duo pressured Ambers' shooters Adele Ranford and Megan Walford and shots were being missed but changes were made in the third quarter with Michelle Martin and Steph Elkins moving to wing defence and wing attack respectively and Leanne Wegg coming on at centre.

This gave Ambers momentum and confidence but unfortunately the gap in the score line couldn't be reduced. Player of the match was Megan Walford.

Sydenham Garnets 37, Priory 39 AN EVENLY contested game against Priory saw Garnets narrowly lose in the final quarter.

Garnets started confidently with Leanne Wegg providing timely interceptions and strong passes into Trudy McDowell and Paige Pople. By the end of the first half Garnets had pulled the game back to draw 20-20.

The third quarter flowed nicely with Garnets taking the lead 30-27 but unfortunately Priory's defence picked their game up in the final quarter and intercepted one or two loose passes to win the match 39-37. Players of the match were Vicky Evans and Paige Pople.

U12s Junior Tournament THE Under 12 team played four matches at today's tournament in Wells. With accurate shooting and great defence, the team supported each other well.

Lovely centre court play from the youngsters, including many interceptions, helped the team to three wins against Purnell (7 - 1), Bridgwater 3 (6 - 0), Paulton (7 - 3) and one loss against Galmington (8 - 3).

Team: Kirsty Richards, Paige Currie, Jess Bull, Grace Morris, Tilly Milburn, Katie Rowles and Georgia Milburn.

U16s THE Under 16 team's finished runners up in the league following a good display at the weekend.

Their first game was against Well and at one point, Wells held a five goal lead, but the Sydenham players were determined to bring themselves back into the game, and with fabulous play from all players, they won the game 27 - 24.

Their second game was against Galmington who have not yet lost a match in the league, and unfortunately, Sydenham were unable to stop them on this occasion either, with Galmington winning 27 - 6.

Team: Megan Walford, Chelsie Coombes, Tanisha Birch, Millie Burridge, Nicky Elkins, Dominique Creedy, Georgia Edmundson and Leanne Wegg.

*ON THE day, Somerset Junior Netballers had agreed to donate 10p for every goal scored per team, to Cancer Research.