Buglers beaten as Body edge ahead

Premier Division

NEW BODY FITNESS 50

BUGLERS 24

NEW Body Fitness edged ahead at the top of the Premier Division of the South & West Dorset Netball League, narrowly ahead of Belle Construction and Gungho Marketing with a 50-24 victory over Buglers.

New Body made a strong start, with an early interception from C, Ashleigh Browne. Buglers put up a strong defence in the circle but were unable to keep New Body at bay as they carved out a strong lead.

Buglers scored a quick turnover thanks to a well-timed interception by GK, Caty Kelly, followed by short, precise passes across the midcourt. Both teams utilised tight marking to slow their opponent’s play.

The third quarter saw an increase in contact in both shooting circles but the umpires kept excellent control. Multiple interceptions allowed New Body to extend their lead, despite Buglers keen defence.

Buglers were able to execute neat passes into the circle, but New Body’s defenders made good use of rebounds, allowing their team to edge further ahead and ultimately emerge triumphant.

Division One

ARTIFEX 41

WYKE SMUGGLERS 39

ARTIFEX kept pace with table toppers Expert Catering with a narrow 41-39 win over Wyke Smugglers in Division One.

Wyke Smugglers showed great skill to turn over the first centre and carved out a small lead. However, Artifex found their rhythm and quickly drew level, thanks to spectacular long-shots by GS, Laura Gardner. Wyke ended the quarter only one goal ahead.

Wyke upped their game to increase their lead. Artifex pushed back, with good communication leading to turnovers as they closed the gap. Artifex C, Tasha Reed, showed great skill and determination to move the ball swiftly across the court. Wyke were unwavering in both attack and defence, protecting their hard-fought lead.

The fourth quarter saw the ball move back and forth with few goals scored. Wyke C, Amelia Corrie-Fairhurst, showed a superb work rate as she contested every ball. Despite this, Artifex were able to pull ahead in the final minutes and end with the win.

Division Two

BEAMINSTER BRAVES 13

BAY FENCING 53

BAY Fencing stay top of the table in the early stages of the Division Two tussle with a 53-13 battering of the Beaminster Braves.

Baytook an early lead but Beaminster Braves fought back, capitalising on scoring opportunities to stay in the game. Bay, however, kept their cool as their GS, Emily Park, sank goal after goal to secure an 11-4 lead for her team.

Braves upped their defence in the midcourt to gain more interceptions, but Bay stormed ahead with superb tactical play. This continued in the third quarter with team changes for Bay, who further increased their lead, despite Braves trying new tactics to keep their opponents away from the post.

Braves fought until the end but after dominating play, it was Bay who ended with a resounding victory.

WJNC 38

ALLWAYS REMOVALS 41

ALLWAYS Removals stayed just behind Bay Fencing thanks to a 41-38 win over WJNC in Division Two.

Removals used the first centre to their advantage, dominating play to gain an early lead. Allways made good use of space but WJNC took every opportunity to stem the flow.

WJNC’s Amelie Comben-Lindsay (GA) was on top form, overcoming tight defence from Allways to gain the lead.

Play evened out as both teams upped their game. Clever movement by Allways was met with rigid defence by WJNC’s GD, Mailia Brown. Allways’ GS, Steph Leyland, ensured her team dominated the third quarter points-wise, expertly bringing them one goal ahead of Allways going into the second quarter.

With the victory in sight, both teams came back with renewed fighting spirit. At the end of this tough contest, Allways managed to claw back a small lead and claimed the win.