Netball: Results and reports from Sydenham and Bridgwater

THIS was Gems’ first game of the season and nerves were running high as they prepared to face local rivals Taunton Vivary.

Knowing their opposition well, Gems knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game, but they took an early 5-1 lead.

Vivary, however, pulled back the deficit and ended the first quarter 15-8 up.

Gems defence of Kerry Fellows, Beth Fella and Amy Witcombe worked well, and great interceptions gave Gems the uplift they needed.

Yet, despite Gems winning the third quarter, Vivary maintained their lead and going into the final period, the visitors led 32-26.

Gems struggled to find their flow in the final quarter, and so Vivary took the win by 14 goals, but their positivity remained and they should be proud of their performance in the first game.

Player of the match: Kerry Fellows. Umpires player and opposition player: Beth Fella.

Somerset Division 2
Sydenham Emeralds 18, Walton 74

FOLLOWING last week’s impressive win, Emeralds were aiming to continue with a strong performance.

In the first quarter, Emerald’s passing was accurate and the centre court players, especially Charlie (WA) and Hannah (C), found space and moved well to get their team moving forward. 

However, Walton’s GS scored whenever the ball went to their circle, and that meant that the first quarter ended 14-4 in their favour. 

Emeralds came out fighting in the second quarter with more great passing movements down the court, and precise shooting from Rhiannon and Charlotte, but it finished 37-11.

Emeralds continued to work hard in the second half, and their defensive players fought for every ball and made a good many interceptions. 

However, Walton’s long passing game extended their lead and they ran out comfortable winners.

Regional League 3 South
Bridgwater Jupiter 30, Bodmin 64

JUPITER began strongly, with great rebounds and interceptions from player of the match Emily Bridges (GK) and great passing from Holly Filkin (WD), but trailing 17-7. 

Impressive shooting from Maddie Kennard (GS) and Kia Jenner (GA) helped Jupiter bring the score up to 36-14 at half-time.

In the last quarter, each team member of the team worked tirelessly, with Julie McClean (GD) and Eve Jenner (WD) outstanding.

Player of the match: Emily Bridges. Opposition’s player: Kia Jenner. Sponsor: Associated Roofing and Maintenance

Somerset Premier Division
Saturn 40, Claremont 56

SATURN started their first home game of the season slowly and wasted opportunities saw them end the first quarter 13-4 down.

Good link play between Emma Reynolds (C) and Amy Portlock (WA) gave Saturn the chances to score but this wasn’t enough to deter Claremont.

Impressive shooting from GA Becky Hooper spurred the team on to keep the scoreline within half.

Players of the match: Imma Matcham and Amy Portlock. Sponsor: BTC

Somerset Division 1
Neptune 22, Parkfield 36 

NEPTUNE started strongly against Parkfield as Chris Durant’s accurate feeds were converted by Izzy Innalls and Katie Harris.

The second quarter saw Parkfield get going, but Neptune kept pressing with fine interceptions from Aiste Mockeliunaite (C).

A very low-scoring third quarter was evenly contested, but Parkfield converted well and turned over more balls in the final quarter.

Player of the match: Aiste Mockeliunaite. Sponsor: Merrick Construction

Somerset Division 2
Venus 19, Queensway 52 

VENUS had to fight against a very experienced team, with Ashlea Slater, Jazz Alexander and Tiffany Brice intercepting well.

Izzy Innalls and Sharon Ethridge limited the first quarter deficit to 6-12, but it was 13-40 by the end of the third quarter.

In the final quarter, positional changes were made and everyone fought hard.

Player of the match & opposition player: Jazz Alexander

Somerset Division 3
Mars 27, Comeytrowe 58 

WITH the rain pouring heavily, Mars took to the indoor court, and the defence of Ella Smith, Emily Smith and Anna Belcher fought hard against an experienced attack, but by half time were 13-28 down.

Comeytrowe’s tough defence brought its own difficulties and Mars lost 58-27. 

Player of the match & opposition player: Ella Smith. Sponsor: MJB Auto Services

Somerset Division 3
Luna 42, Highfield 28

LUNA made a strong start, and debutant Sarah Edwards drove into the circle with great pace to team up with Sharon Ethridge.

The game was end-to-end and called upon Dawn Gardener’s safe attacking passes and Claire Tucker’s defensive interceptions, the score 19-18 at halfway, but quarter 3 saw Luna surge 31-22 ahead, and they stayed strong to win. 

Player of the match: Sarah Edwards. Sponsor: Paul Atyeo Building Services