Regional League 3 South
South Plymstock 39, Sydenham Gems 60

AFTER a tight 46-40 defeat at home to Exeter B the weekend before, Gems made the long journey to Plymouth on Sunday for another tough fixture.

The hosts came out fast and strong, while Gems took a while to settle, but the away side managed to work their way into a five-goal lead.

Helen Martin made some incredible passes into the circle to the shooters, who succeeded in getting the goals, despite solid pressure from the Plymstock defence.

Gems entered the third quarter leading 46-29, and with Carly Martin (WD) forcing pressure continuously, their defensive players made some cracking interceptions to secure the victory.

Players of the match: Danni Addicott and Rachel Lawrence; Umpire’s player of the match: Kerry Fellows

Somerset Division 1
Sydenham Sapphires 47, Yeovil Hendford 37

SAPPHIRES had a strong start to the match, resulting in a lead which was maintained throughout all four quarters.

Hard work from all players on the court to get the ball down to the attacking end enabled Sapphires’ shooters Nic Hale (GS) and Helen Martin (GA) to score many goals, and they were also very quick on rebounds to convert them into more goals.

Towards the end of the game, Sapphires kept a strong lead with a non-stop fight from all players.

Hard work and patience from Kerry Clarke (GD), Carly Martin (WD) and Karis Holleron (C) brought a lot of success to get the ball down the court, and into the shooters.

Sapphires finished the game with a very well deserved win and they remain undefeated.

POM: Tilly Milburn; UPOM: Kerry Clarke and Tilly Milburn

Somerset Division 2
Sydenham Rubies 50, Yeovil Aldon 48

RUBIES faced Aldon of Yeovil on Saturday and started the first quarter on the back foot, with the visitors taking an early lead.

But the home team settled down, and they ended the first quarter 13-12 ahead.

The second quarter saw a change of positions for Rubies – Katie Issitt going to WD and Jess Bull going back to GK for added height – applied a little pressure to Aldon’s shooters, but they finished the period leading 25-24.

Rubies continued to apply pressure, and with accurate shooting from Justine Pearn and Carly Langdon they went into the final quarter with a one-goal advantage.

A good start to the quarter from the hosts saw them race six goals ahead, but a few mistakes and tired legs allowed Aldon to pull it back and even go into the lead.

But Rubies dug into their reserves of strength, and managed to clinch it 50-48.

POM: Justine Pearn; UPOM: Kerry Clark

***

Bridgwater Mercury:

FINAL FLOURISH: A strong finish from Bridgwater Jupiter couldn't prevent defeat against Mavericks.

Regional League 2
Bridgwater Jupiter 25, Mavericks 71

JUPITER had a home game on Sunday, against a lively Mavericks side.

In the first quarter, Jupiter struggled initially to pass the ball to their shooters and they finished the first quarter losing 15-5, a deficit which grew to 35-9 by half-time.

The third quarter was Jupiter’s best, with nine goals, as quick feeding and control of the play by Julie McClean (WA) ensured the Jupiter shooters, with Kia Jenner at GA, were given opportunities to score.

Going into the final quarter, Jupiter had nothing to lose and wanted to finish on a high.

Eve Jenner, who was playing her second game of the day, worked hard and defended strongly as Jupiter restricted Mavericks and made them work harder for their opportunities to score as the game ended 25-71.

Players of the match: Alisha Gardener and Eve Jenner; Opposition POM: Alisha Gardener

Somerset Premier Division
Bridgwater Saturn 57, Sharks 51

SATURN went out determined against the experienced Sharks and led 16-13 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, shooters Morganne Dunn (GS) and Sarah Perry (GA) did fantastically, sinking shots and working well within the circle; this was Saturn’s best quarter, and they went into to half time 31-22 up.

Sharks fought back hard but Saturn stayed ahead and matched their opponents goal for goal in the final quarter, thereby securing a deserved 57-51 triumph.

POM: Emma Cocks and Eve Jenner OPOM: Morganne Dunn
Game sponsored by Dean Motors Bridgwater

Somerset Division 1
Bridgwater Venus 29, Walton 50

A WET court kept the play cautious from the start and Venus were up against it.

Great interceptions from Jessie Woodberry in the third quarter kept the game flowing, but Walton’s goal shooter rarely missed.

The rain began again and Venus ended on the losing side.

POM: Aiste Mockeliunaite