South & West Dorset Netball League Division One
BOHO A 52 CRESTA 34
BOHO continued their resurgence in the top-flight with a fantastic victory against Cresta.
Following on from their first win of the season the previous week, Boho started the contest with huge confidence and determination with centre Emily Boyce orchestrating matters from the middle of the court.
Her timely interceptions led her side to an 11-5 lead at the end of the first quarter but Cresta appeared more lively after the break with an improved offence in the form of experienced circle players Teresa Williams and Alison Sperring.
Stepping up to the mark in the absence of Sue Wolley and Carolyn Allgood, Williams and Sperring put Boho under a lot more pressure but they were unable to stop the lead from being increased to 22-13 by half-time.
Amelia Stout came on and boosted Boho’s defensive unit and achieved some inspiring interceptions as strong team work saw the final outcome stretched to 52-34 by the final whistle.
Division Two
BOHO B 21 WESSEX FALCONS 31
THE Falcons are now flying high after they produced a superb all-round display to overcome Boho B in Division Two.
Wessex fell behind in the early stages as Boho’s patient and structured game bore fruit with hard flat passes and excellent feeds into the shooting circle producing plenty of points.
At 8-3 down, Falcons were in desperate need of a response and it soon arrived despite excellent defending from Boho’s goal defence Steph Jones.
Wessex suddenly began to move the ball through the court with ease and with wing-attack Karen Croad in top form, the score was levelled at 12 each at the break.
And the momentum continued into the third quarter with accurate shooting from Eloise Adams putting the Falcons in front.
Boho refused to yield though with tireless work from Cara Rose leading the fight, but Wessex continued to convert their turnovers to win through 31-21.
Division Three
MANE ROAD 20 STICKLANDS 27
STICKLANDS edged through in a hard-fought contest with Mane Road in Division Three despite starting a player short.
Excellent pressure from Mane goalkeeper Rachel Boyd was unable to stop Sticklands from taking the initiative in the early stages but her side soon fought back.
The introduction of Stacey Hancock made it even harder for Sticklands’ shooters, who were continuing to receive good service from wing-attack Mel Dawson.
At 13-10 to Sticklands at the break, the game was clearly still in the balance with both sides refusing to give an inch.
However, some key footwork decisions from the umpires against Mane coupled with some clinical shooting from their opponents ended up seeing the game swing Sticklands way as they triumphed 27-20.
PARKERS 53 DOROTHY INN 36
PARKERS continued their impressive start to the season by moving to the top of Division Three with a fine victory over Dorothy Inn.
The table-toppers took to the court with just six players but it did not faze them at all as their experience shone through with Linda Rawcliffe and Jane Murray both on top form.
Their impressive play helped Parkers move into a 25-15 half-time lead before some tactical changes increased their stranglehold on proceedings even further.
Dorothys continued to dig deep with some strong play from versatile centre Meegan Allen and goal-shooter Sam Rees but their opponents proved relentless in their pursuit of victory as they took the points 53-36.
* For further information on the adult or junior netball leagues, visit southwestdorsetnetball.co.uk
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