ARTIFEX DRAGONS 44

BUGLERS 40

ARTIFEX Dragons tightened their grasp on second place in the South & West Dorset League Premier Division, edging Buglers 44-40.

Dragons started with fire in their bellies and their energy saw them take a quarter-time lead over Buglers who were slower to find their rhythm.

Buglers found their energy in the second quarter, which quietened Dragons and allowed them to close the gap.

Buglers’ GK Stacey Sollis was particularly vocal and communicated well to her teammates, Dragons leading by three goals at half-time.

Dragons reignited their intensity in the third quarter, their defence putting real pressure on Buglers’ shooters.

READ MORE: South & West Dorset League - week eight round-up

There were errors in attack for both sides, as they began to feel the pressure of the close scoreline, but Dragons maintained their three-goal lead before the final quarter.

Whilst Buglers’ GS Emily England made good use of space outside the circle to provide her team with options, Dragons had reintroduced Madison Carter into the game at GS, who added some great speed to their shooting circle.

However, Dragons were able to hold their nerve and take the win.

TEAM WAIKIKI 32

FIRST FIT WINDOWS 29

TEAM Waikiki shaded an even closer match in Division One, beating First Fit Windows 32-29.

First Fit started strong, with short, quick passes and defensive strategies.

Team Waikiki then worked themselves into the game using precise passes and accurate shooting, which saw them take a 9-6 lead at quarter-time.

Waikiki’s GD Lauren Dabbs took some brilliant interceptions in the centre third, which allowed Waikiki to push out their lead early in the second quarter but First Fit worked hard to stay in touch.

Waikiki maintained a high level of performance throughout the second half, and they seemed set to secure an easy win.

However, in the latter stages of the final quarter, First Fit had a resurgence and began closing the gap.

With constant support on the transverse line from their GD Charlotte Newman, First Fit’s attack were able to work the ball safely and swiftly into their shooters.

Despite this impressive finish from First Fit, Waikiki had built up just enough of a lead to hold on for a slim three-goal win.

WARMER HOME IMPROVEMENTS B 21

WJNC WILDCATS 48

WJNC Wildcats enjoyed a stress-free 48-21 victory over Warmer Home Improvements B in Division One.

Warmer B started at a very fast pace and took an early two-goal lead.

Wildcats, however, soon found their feet and their confidence, and pulled ahead to take a three-goal lead into quarter time.

Wildcats remained strong in the second quarter and continued to increase their lead with some accurate shooting from their GS Niamh Sealey as Warmer B struggled to keep up with Wildcats’ speed of play.

Warmer B began to fatigue in the third quarter, as Wildcats made use of their subs to maintain the speed through court.

After a superb effort from the whole of the Wildcats’ team, they increased their lead substantially going into the final quarter.

Changes had a positive impact for Warmer B but Wildcats showed great patience and worked their way through tough defence to increase their lead and take the win.

ZEST 40

DREAM DIGITAL 13

ZEST maintained their pursuit of top spot in Division Two with a 40-13 win over Dream Digital.

Early goals from both sides opened the scoring up quickly. Zest then broke ahead with some good interceptions and great teamwork from their GA Nola Smith and GS Emma Mills.

Dream’s C Meegan Ling worked hard and won the ball back for them on multiple occasions, but they were unable to convert the possession into goals and Zest took advantage to storm into the lead.

In the second half, Zest brought the ball down court well, and transitioned smoothly into their attacking end.

Dream had managed to settle into the game now, and, with multiple tactical changes in their shooting circle which kept the Zest defence on their toes, were able to put more goals on the board.

Both team were steady throughout the second half but Zest were the more composed and tasted victory.