Bridgwater Jupiter 39, Sydenham Gems 36

THE eagerly-awaited derby saw Bridgwater Jupiter claim bragging rights over Sydenham Gems.

Both sides had a tentative opening quarter with Jupiter ending with a one goal lead. Jupiter found their feet in the second quarter, movement down the court flowing more freely between wing defence, Imma Matcham, Baylea Charles (C) and wing attack, Amy Shaw. With a seven-goal lead to their advantage, Jupiter were pushed all the way by Gems in the third quarter.

The defensive team of goal keeper, Lisa Durant and goal defence, Hannah Symes had to work and with their lead down to two goals and Symes injured, Gems sniffed a chance for the win.

But Sammy Kemmish held her nerve to keep the scoreboard ticking over and Jupiter edged a thrilling 39-36 win.

Sydenham players of match were Hannah Clapp and Susan Bushnell.

Bridgwater Neptune 39, Sydenham Sapphires 40

NEPTUNE’S sluggish start against Sydenham Sapphires saw the visitors lead by seven points after the first quarter.

They did raise their game to cut the difference to just two in the second quarter but in the third quarter Sapphires fought back with excellent pressure.

Sapphire's committed defence made it hard for Neptune to attack but Chris Durant and Dawn Fothergill's persistence allowed them to stay in touch. In a nervy final quarter, both teams pushed hard for the win but it was Sapphires who edged it by the narrowest of margins. Sydenham player of match was Beth Fella.

Bridgwater Venus 64, Sydenham Emeralds 18

VENUS played a home derby against Emeralds and the accurate shooting and positioning from both Paige Langdon (GS) and Karis Holler (GA) saw Venus take an early lead, ending the first quarter 13-6.

The second quarter witnessed a surge of goals from the Venus shooters with excellent feeding into the circle from Imogen Setter (C) and Chris Shaw (WA).

Venus kept the pressure on in the third quarter to lead 48-18 and in the final quarter good work from Paige Davey (GD) and Coleen Bartlett (GK) saw a dominant 64-18 win. Bridgwater players of the match: Chris Shaw, Michelle Stone and Imogen Setter.

Sydenham player of the match: Mikki Hole at centre.

Mars 36, Knaves 31

THE game started slowly at 6-6 at the end of the first quarter. The defensive team of Mary King (GD) and Saskia Middleton (GK) continued to disrupt the flow of Knaves, and in the third quarter Mars pulled together with grit and determination and extended their lead to 27-21. Megan Smith (WD) worked well with Cath Clark (C) and Courtney Steele (WA) to bring the ball swiftly up the court to shooters Sarah Perry (GA) and Kayleigh Haste (GS) who worked hard to get space in the circle. The last quarter was tense but Mars held their nerve and won 36-31. Player of the match Mary King.

Mercury 41, Ambers 20

MERCURY started well but Ambers caught up, with the Bridgwater side finishing the first quarter 8-7. Ambers played well but Mercury stayed strong, with an excellent performance in defence from newcomer Steph Riordan (WD), player of the match Saskia Middleton (GD), and Victoria Saban (GK). Coordinated attacking play by Elaine Bartlett (WA), Courtney Steele (GA) and Norah Lewis (GS) helped extend the lead for the bragging rights and a 41-20 win.

This week's home games were sponsored by Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.

Bridgwater Jupiter 33, Knights 35

JUPITER started well but trailed at half-time 19-21.

Lisa Durant (GK) worked tirelessly in defence to apply pressure and gain turnovers and tips. Imma Matcham (WD) was efficient in bringing the ball out of defence where Baylea Charles (C) and Amy Shaw (WA) used their speed and agility to get the ball down the court. Jupiter entered the final quarter with a lead of two but, after a tough game, lost 33-35. Player of the match went to Durant.

Mercury 54, Barons 7

THIS was a convincing win for Mercury. The defence of Julie McClean (WD), Saskia Middleton (GD) and Lucy Brown (GK) played well throughout the match.

The shooters also were also on form with a return for vice-captain Courtney Steele (GS), Norah Lewis (GA). In the final quarter, Morganne Dunn came on at GS and performed exceptionally well.

The centre court was dominated by Mercury with captain Elaine Bartlett (WA), Lily Rowland (C), and in the final quarter Courtney Steele(C), all performing well. Due to the high quality of play there were three players of the match – Saskia Middleton, Courtney Steel and Lucy Brown. A great start to the season.

Sydenham Rubies 33, Bishops 32

RUBIES started slowly against Bishops from Wells, trailing 11-8 at the end of the first quarter.

However, the team picked up their game during the second quarter, with better movement in the shooting circle between Tracey Stiles and Lynne Cornish, ending 19-16 to Bishops.

Great defence from Sandy Hocking and Debbie Chapman, kept Bishops at bay and they ran out 33-32 winners.

Rubies 22, Millfield 51

THE first quarter did not go well for Rubies with Millfield pulling ahead 12 – 4 and that set the tone for the match.

Paige Pople, Debbie Chapman and Jo Bromme worked well to only trail 21-10 at half time, but a strong Millfield team proved a tough test and they lost 51-22.
Player of match: Paige Pople

Ambers 20, Mercury 41

THERE was some good passes and shots at goal from Megan Walford and Tasmin Hembery.
Players of the match went to Leanne Wegg and Katie Dennision.

Garnets 27, Frome 14

GARNETS took a lead 8-6 at the end of the first quarter and good work from Lucy McCabe (C), Steph Elkins (WA) and Vicky Evans (WD) forced errors, to stretch that lead to 21-15.

The final quarter saw the lead open up to 27-17 and the player of the match was shared between Carly Langdon (GS) and Nicky Elkins (GK).