South West Netball League
Regional 2
Titans Lightning 68, Bridgwater Jupiter 20

JUPITER had a tough match on Saturday against second-placed Titans.

The match got off to a slow start but, despite all players putting in 100 per cent, the first quarter ended 18-3 to the hosts.

Jupiter’s defence of Emily Bridges (GD) and Sally Haysham (GK) stuck tight and put pressure on their players, which allowed the visitors to bring the ball down the court with help from Eve Jenner (WD).

For the second quarter, Jupiter made changes which helped bring the ball down the court and into the shooting circle, with the score being 36-9 at halfway.

Jupiter kept pushing in the third quarter, with some great movement in the centre third and accurate passes into the circle from Cerys Ethridge (WA), as that period ended 56-12 to Titans.

The final quarter saw Jupiter really work as a team, allowing Maddie Kennard (GS) and Kia Jenner (GA) to get eight goals, making it Jupiter’s best quarter.

Player of the match and opposition’s player of the match: Sally Haysham; sponsor: Associated Roofing and Maintenance, Bridgwater

Somerset Division 1
Harlequins 52, Bridgwater Neptune 34

NEPTUNE took to the court this weekend against the talented Harlequins, and started well, with great passes between Tilly Heal (WA) and Cath Clark (C) to get the ball to the circle for shooters Kayleigh Martin-Haste (GS) and Katie Harris (GA).

The first quarter ended 12-12 but the hosts came back fighting, and despite good defence and excellent interceptions from Aiste Mockeliunaite (WD), Abbie Newton (GD) and Emily Harwood (GK), Harlequins worked their way into a 26-16 lead.

Izzy Innalls added energy at centre as the third quarter ended 37-26.

The away side fought to the end, but were unable to catch up with Harlequins.

POM: Katie Harris; OPOM: Abbie Newton; sponsor: TMB Patterns Ltd

Somerset Division 3
Minstrels 41, Bridgwater Mars 26

MARS took to the court with a positive attitude and the first quarter was closely contested, with accurate shooting by Rebecca Kennard (GS) and Joanne Prowse (GA) leaving Mars trailing 10-8.

In the second quarter changes were made, and Jess Chee (C) and Anna Belcher (WA) were getting the ball into the circle.

Despite this, Minstrels’ strong defence left Mars trailing 19-13.

In the third quarter an injury saw Isabel Innalls take the court at WD and Andrea Martin-Haste move to GK.

The new pairing in the circle worked tirelessly with Jazz Alexander (GD), but the hosts moved 28-18 ahead.

In the final quarter the team stayed strong and didn’t give up, but Minstrels proved too strong.

POM and OPOM: Jess Chee

BRIDGWATER’S Under-12 teams were in sensational form at the weekend, with the A team beating Wells 37-3 and the B team overcoming Purnell 16-5.

The Under-14s had a chilly start in Strode, but the B team improved throughout the match and saw off Tor 15-13, with the coaches’ player of the match award going to Caitlin Howe.

The A team were missing a few vital players but remained positive against an athletic Keinton side.

Many girls played out of position in a 24-11 defeat.

Coaches’ player of the match went to Izzy Keane for her positive attitude, while Holly Searle made some amazing interceptions.

Junior teams’ sponsor: Maxwell Chartered Accountants, Bridgwater

***

Somerset Division 3
Sydenham Emeralds 34, Wells Canons 45

EMERALDS hosted Canons and had a rough start, with Canons leading 13-6.

The home side came out fighting in the second quarter, with better work in the defensive circle which limited the visitors to 10 goals in that period.

Emeralds continued their momentum into the third quarter, with great work in the attacking circle reducing the gap to five goals.

The visitors were determined to win, with plenty of effort and several fine interceptions and rebounds, but Canons took the win.

Player of the match: Katie and Anna; sponsor: Countrywide Windows

SYDENHAM’S Under-14s played against Tor in the Somerset A league, and the first quarter came to an end at 2-2.  

The side from Bridgwater started slowly in the second quarter, allowing Tor to take an 8-4 half-time lead.

A great third quarter limited Tor’s successful attempts at goal, while Rhiannon and Charlie received some excellent passes into the circle from Hollie and Libby, allowing Sydenham to close the gap to just one going into the final quarter.

Sydenham pulled level, but in the final three minutes tired legs began to show, allowing Tor to pull away with several goals without response.

The final score was 17-11 to Tor, which did not reflect the teamwork and effort from the Sydenham girls.

Team: Rylie, Angel, Charlie, Libby, Hollie, Rhiannon, Kayleigh.