Belle blitz

BELLE CONSTRUCTION 43

WATERSIDE 27

BELLE Construction produced a marvellous team performance to maintain their unbeaten record and see off Waterside in another highly-competitive contest in Division One.

With regional players representing both sides, all coached by Belle’s Level Three coach Louise Bugler, it was perhaps no great surprise to see top-class play throughout this clash.

Both sides were evenly matched during the first half with their respective defences ensuring the shot total was kept down to a minimum.

Belle eventually reached half-time with a slender 17-16 lead and with only half an hour left, the two sides began to turn up the heat.

Try as they might though, Waterside were unable to stem the flow of Belle’s attacks as WD Sophie Hinds once again proved her potential with some inspiring centre-court play at the age of just 15.

Persistent offending from Waterside’s WD and Belle’s WA then led to them both receiving a verbal warning from the umpires before Waterside’s circle defensive unit of Emily Randell and Sally David stepped up their game with some excellent interceptions.

However, Belle still held a seven-point advantage going into the final quarter and they refused to let their lead slip despite some excellent shooting under pressure from Waterside’s GA Sue Lee.

Belle continued to press and in the later stages took advantage of several obstructions from Waterside’s WD with GA Jo Peters netting some spectacular penalty shots to lead her team to a 43-27 success.

Umpires’ Player of the Match: Louise Bugler (C, Belle Construction)

CRESTA LEISURE 43

CASY COMETS 56

ALTHOUGH they have not yet been victorious this season, Cresta’s netball is certainly starting to come together as they pushed the Comets all the way in their latest outing.

The Comets started well with excellent shooting from Emma Wakely and Michele Brown taking their side to a 17-10 lead after the first quarter.

Some fantastic defensive play from Cresta’s GK Jayne Guppy then saw her team reduce the deficit to five at half-time before GS Carolyn Allgood maintained the resurgence in the third quarter with some calm shooting.

With only six goals separating the two sides going in the final period, both teams fought hard for supremacy but it was the Comets that pulled away again to win 56-43 and consolidate their mid-table position.

Player of the Match: Michele Brown (GA, Casy)

Broadwey MOTORS 41

DUNNINGS 26

BROADWEY started positively with excellent long-range shots from both shooters and accurate feeds from their centre Ellen Blackmore.

But Dunnings were clearly up for the battle with GD Becky Green working extremely hard to try and prevent the ball from getting into the circle.

However, Broadwey still managed to open up an early lead and they refused to let up despite GS Elaine Robertson helping close the gap to 19-15 at the halfway stage.

A tactical switch then saw Dunnings swap their GK and GD but great positioning from Broadwey’s GS Louise Brooks still saw her receive the ball with regularity.

Dunnings did have chances to close the gap but constant pressure on the shots from Karly Howes continued to force errors.

Both teams produced some excellent netball but eventually it was Broadwey that left the court with the spoils thanks to a 41-26 success.

Players of the Match: Ellen Blackmore (C, Broadwey) and Rachel Scarf (GK/GD, Dunnings)

DIVISION THREE

PIDDLE INN 19

Poundbury GARDENS 31

THIS inter-club game did not get off to the best start with an early injury to Piddle’s Jen Tindell.

Coach Caroline Kellaway dealt with the setback immediately and calmed both teams, however with Piddle without their usual GA, Poundbury took the early lead 7-2 at quarter time.

Tindell then returned after the interval at GS, providing her team with the confidence required, as both teams worked tirelessly to grasp the upperhand.

But thanks to GD Catherine Earnshaw, who made some excellent interceptions, it was Poundbury that moved 14-7 ahead at half-time, a lead they were not willing to let go.

Piddle centre Kelly Strawbridge upped the pace and was inspiring throughout the centre court for her team but with GS Henni Green in fantastic form, Poundbury eventually pulled away to claim a 31-19 success.

* For further information on the adult or junior section of the South West Dorset Netball League, please visit southwestdorsetnetball.co.uk