Bridgwater Mars 9, Paulton Spears 40

THE first quarter saw a slow start from Mars, but great interceptions in the defensive circle from Eve Jenner (GK) and Aiste Mockeliunaite (GD) limited the damage to 13-3 to the visitors.

In the second quarter, Mars began to create space, with good centre court interceptions and receiving of the ball from Freya Braddock (C) meaning lots of possession and forward intent, but they were still 24-5 behind.

In the third quarter, Katie Harris moved to GA and Katie Anthony went to WA.

Great passes from Elaine Bowerman (C) into the shooting circle allowed Sharon Ethridge (GS) to convert some goals.

The final quarter began with Mars trailing 30-7, and they made some more changes, with Flora Horrox coming on as GS.

Despite some excellent play from the whole team, Mars struggled to increase their score.

It was a great effort all round, but ended in a frustrating loss of 40 goals to nine.

Player of the match: Eve Jenner.

***

Bridgwater Jupiter 52, Pinehurst 50

THERE was a very different line-up for Jupiter this week, with only three of their original squad available.

But Gabby Nardiello (GA) was able to play the long ball into the shooter time and time again, allowing Jupiter to quickly climb the scoreboard, and the first quarter finished 18-13 to Jupiter.

Jupiter’s amazing start was followed by a lull in the second quarter, though the defensive duo of Lisa Lukins (GK) and Emily Rossiter (GD) were top class, turning over the ball continuously.

But these turnovers were wasted by poor decision making in attack, and the second quarter finished with Pinehurst ahead 28-27.

Emily Bridges put on the most amazing defensive pressure at WD, meaning Pinehurst were unable to feed their shooters, and she also gained some phenomenal tips around the circle edge, as the third quarter finished 41-36 to Jupiter.

Danielle Addicott put in an absolute shift at C, working tirelessly to maintain her angles when defending and attacking.

The defensive trio, as above, gave everything – their commitment and work rate kept Jupiter in the game.

They kept their heads as the finish line approached, and saw the game out to win 52-50.

Players of the match: Lisa Lukins, Emily Rossiter, Emily Bridges and Gabby Nardiello.

***

Bridgwater Venus 37, Reckleford 35

VENUS were away to Reckleford in Yeovil, and both teams arrived to start the game in a biting wind and even snow.

Despite this Venus started strongly, with great movement in the circle from Maddie Kennard and Jessie Woodberry.

This meant that at quarter time the scores were even at 10 goals apiece.

The second quarter saw Hannah Sayer and Chris Shaw feed into the circle with precision and accuracy, allowing them to stay head-to-head, ending the second quarter on 17-17.

Great interceptions were made in the third quarter by Cerys and Joanne Woodberry, which meant that at the end of the period Venus were up by two goals, 28-26.

Thanks to great turnovers and interceptions by the defensive duo of Emily Harwood and Eve Jenner Venus held onto their lead, winning 37-35.

Player of the match: Joanne Woodberry.