Somerset Division 3
Bridgwater Mars 37, Sydenham Emeralds 30

MARS fought hard from start to finish, with feisty opposition from neighbours Emeralds only making them more determined.

The first quarter ended with the scores level at 8-8 and Hazel Hucker (WA) helped keep the team focused when close decisions went against them.

Mars really began to gel in the second quarter, with some great tips from the defensive team of Andrea Martin-Haste (GK) and Jasmine Alexander (GD) helping them move ahead, 18-16.

The third quarter saw the introduction of Hana Middleton (WA), who supported Isobel Innalls (C) and Ella Smith (WD) in working tirelessly to bring the ball down to the shooting circle.

With this Mars began to extend their lead, ending this quarter on 27-23.

In the final period Mars frustrated Emeralds’ efforts to get the ball in to their shooters.

Mars’ Sharon Ethridge (GA) and Becky Kennard (GS) worked well together and, with some accurate shooting, ensured their team claimed victory.

Player of the match: Jasmine Alexander; opposition's player of the match: Hana Middleton

***

Somerset Division 2
Bishops 63, Sydenham Rubies 43

RUBIES knew they would be facing tough opposition at top-of-the-table Bishops.

The score remained fairly close for the first part with the away team taking the early advantage, although Rubies pulled back to within three goals during the second quarter.

However, Rubies were unable to stay in touch and Bishops pulled away in the second half.

Players of the match: Kirsty Richards & Justine Pearn; umpires' player of the match: Justine Pearn; opposition's player of the match: Jess Bull; sponsor: Homes in Sedgemoor

Somerset Division 3
Bridgwater Mars 37, Sydenham Emeralds 30

EMERALDS made a good start to the derby, going in at 8-8 after the first quarter.

In a tough second quarter, Emeralds went back on with determination as the young girls kept their heads up with support from experienced players.

They went into the third quarter strongly, with great work in the defending circle and accurate passing into the shooters enabling Emeralds to close the gap.

Emeralds went into the last quarter with a lot of effort and interceptions but lost a hard-fought match.

POM: Anna; UPOM and OPOM: Katie H; sponsor: Countrywide Windows