NETBALL Jupiter nine from nine after narrow win

JUPITER made it nine wins out of nine in the first-half of the season with a narrow win against Nationwide on Sunday.

Jupiter started tentatively with both teams trying to find their feet and silly mistakes were to blame for their inability to take the lead.

However, great vision and well timed interceptions from Sammie Woolacott (WD) meant that Jupiter were able to match their opponents, going into the second quarter 12-12.

The second quarter saw a change in line-up with Sammy Kemmish (GA) making a return to the team following an injury.

Jupiter battled hard to make an impact on the game, with their efforts allowing them to take a three-goal lead.

The third quarter was Jupiter’s strongest with the defensive duo of Lisa Durant (GK) and player of the match, Beckie Cowley (GD), working tirelessly to adjust their game and to force valuable errors in Nationwide’s attack. Jupiter were able to capitalise on these errors, going into the final quarter 45-36.

Nationwide came back fighting and pulled themselves within a goal of Jupiter’s lead – however, with the last couple of minutes on the clock, Jupiter were able to get a couple of crucial goals, allowing them to keep their lead.

With special thanks to Falcon Vehicle Hire for providing transport.

Saturn 34, Millfield 38

SATURN went into the game hoping to capitalise on their recent performances, despite a weekend break.

They went into the second quarter leading by four but the start of the second quarter saw Millfield gain momentum and, despite some excellent centre court play by Michelle Stone (C), Millfield led by one at half time.

Saturn remained positive and some superbly timed interceptions and great contesting of the ball from Imma Matcham (GD) ensured Saturn finished the third quarter winning by one.

Fabulous timed passes by Karis Holleron (WA) ensured that the ball was passed fluently to the shooters, Becky Palmer (GA) and Sarah Perry (GS).

Millfield continued with the pressure in the final quarter and some errors by Saturn allowed them to take the lead.

Neptune 42, Abbey 35

A CLOSE game for Neptune against Tor team Abbey, ended with a win for Neptune.

With a slow start for Neptune, Abbey finished the first quarter 6-8, as the second quarter got under way, despite great shooting from (GS) Kayleigh Haste and (GA) Darcie Dunn, Abbey started to pull away.

Accuracy in feeding from Hazel Hucker and Christine Durrant saw Neptune draw the third quarter and, in the fourth quarter, changes were made seeing Emma Reynolds move to WA.

Great defensive play from GK Lucy Brown and Player of the match Sally Haysham allowed Neptune to take a seven-goal lead and a well-deserved win.

Venus 35, Dolphins 36

VENUS fell to a single-point defeat to Dolphins on Saturday.

Venus led 10-6 at the end of the first quarter, with Mary King, Bex Dunn and Emily Rossiter committed to interceptions and making turn overs, which lead to goal after goal.

But in the second quarter, Dolphins brought it back to 16-15 at half-time.

Cath Clark and Chris Shaw worked hard to work the ball into the circle with clean and accurate feeds. The game was tied 25-25 after the third quarter and it was goal for goal heading towards the last five minutes of the game.

Hannah Setter and Sophie Cornish shot well under pressure and managed to keep the game even but Dolphins then took the lead to sneak a win.

Mars 35, Avalon 45

SATURDAY saw Mars take on Avalon, a team four places ahead of them in the table.

Mars ended the quarter just two behind at 10-12 and the second quarter saw Avalon pull away despite Emily Harwood (GD) and Hana Middleton (GK) giving it their all in the defensive circle.

The Mars team fought for every ball with fantastic interceptions from Olivia, Chloe and Hannah and some extremely mature, decisive play from Charlotte saw Mars close the score line.

Player of the match was Hannah White.

Mercury 32, Tor 37

LUCY Kyte and Charlotte Setter stepped up to the plate as Mercury slipped to a five- point defeat to Tor.

The pair took advantage of the accurate feeds from Elaine Bartlett and Laura Gibson – and the defence of Sarah Hill (WD), Victoria Saban (GD) and Mary King (GK) worked tirelessly throughout the game to gain turnovers and convert them into goals.

In the last quarter, Mercury gave one final push to close the gap, and their hard work was not in vain as they ended the game with a loss of only five goals.

Joint players of the match: Charlotte, Lucy and Laura.

Sponsor: KDR Electricals.