PIDDLE A remain rooted to the foot of the Netball League Division Two table following a heavy defeat at the hands of leaders Broadwey.

The first quarter began surprisingly close with both teams adopting similar tactics of strong, wide, cross-court passes.

Just as Piddle settled into some confident, cohesive court play, disaster struck when wing attack Lucy Caldicott suffered an injury and left her team a player short.

Piddle were lucky that the quarter ended soon after and they were only trailing 6-5.

Unfortunately though, once the game recommenced, the table-toppers took full advantage and propelled numerous uncontested passes through the mid-court into their shooters, Julie Collinge and Louise Brookes, who netted some impressive long-range efforts.

Vicky Bailey, Jackie Brisbane and Ellen Blackwood dominated the court for Broadwey, leaving Piddle players running tirelessly in a vain attempt to halt the second tier high-flyers.

The basement girls were given a glimmer of hope when Caldicott rejoined her team-mates following treatment on the sidelines.

However, the damage was done and Piddle ended the second quarter 19-6 adrift, having managed to net only one goal in 15 minutes.

Despite being back to full strength, Piddle seemed unable to settle back into the match and, coupled with Broadwey firing on all cylinders, an impending whitewash was looming despite the best efforts of defenders Chantelle Lewis and Katy Loveless.

At the other end of the court, Piddle shooters Henni Green and Laura Baney came unstuck against the Broadwey defensive pairing of Claudia Crocker and Karly Howes.

In fact, the Division Two strugglers could only muster a single goal in the entire second half, as Broadwey ran out comfortable 42-7 winners.

Also in the second division, Ojo’s secured fourth place after beating Fowlers 51-24.

Both sides started well but it was Ojo’s who then stamped their authority on the match following some impressive interceptions by goal defence Ellie Mutter.

Team-mates Megan Taylor and Sarah Hamil provided plenty of precise feeds for shooters Cathy Sims and Chris Beech, who netted some confident shots. Fowlers tried to counter the smooth court play of Ojo’s with some lovely defensive work by Karen Roberts and Sue Bennett, but despite some golden turnovers clumsy passing saw Fowlers lose possession on numerous occasions and end the half 23-13 adrift.

As the third quarter progressed Fowlers began to settle thanks to the steadying influence of goal shooter Mel Dive, who despite strong opposition from goalkeeper Gill Wilkes, managed to net several key goals to keep her side in with a shout.

However, Ojo’s continued to dominate and ran out deserved victors.