Bridgwater Saturn 43, Wyndham 34

SATURN’S first game of the season started very well with a strong first quarter, strong passes and movement down the court by Lisa Phillips, WA, and strong defence from Saturn's captain, Becky Cowley (GD), and Emma Reynolds (WD), enabled Saturn to pull away to lead 23-17 at half-time.

The next quarter saw Saturn make some silly passes, allowing Wyndham to creep back within five, despite some excellent movement and great positioning from shooters Becky Palmer (GA) and Katy Cheese (GS).

Going into the final quarter, Saturn made a change in the shooting circle to allow for some extra height and the game ended in an opening win for Saturn.

Bridgwater Mars 63, Minstrels 42

WITH a mixture of experience and youth, Mars settled into a steady game and found themselves with a comfortable lead at the end of the first quarter.

The shooting duo of Paige Davey and Courtney Steele did not falter under the pressure of the Minstrels defence and by half time the Bridgwater side had extended their lead to 33-15. The youth of Saskia Middleton, making her debut, and Mary King held their nerve, gaining many rebounds to clear the defensive line by linking with Annia Holleron at wing defence.

The experience of centre and captain Cath Clark, supported by Chris Shaw at wing attack, kept the momentum going, with steady passes and controlled possession.

This was a fantastic performance from the newly-formed Mars team and Annia Holleron was voted player of the match.

Bridgwater Mercury 27, Reckleford 25

MERCURY’S shooters got off to a good start with ten goals in the first quarter to Reckleford’s four. At this stage it looked as though it was going to be an easy game for Mercury but this was yet to be proved.

At the half Mercury still led by six goals, 16-10. Mercury’s form dropped and, by the end of the third quarter, their lead was cut to two goals, 20-18.

In the final quarter, Mercury brought on an attacking substitution and soon started scoring again but Reckleford came back and went ahead of Mercury to lead 22-21, but Mercury's strong defensive work and consistent shooting proved too strong for the visitors, as they regained their lead and held on to win the match.

Victoria Saban (GD) was voted player of the match in her first appearance for the team.