Gungho maintain pressure at the top

Premier Division

GUNGHO MARKETING 32

SAINTS SECURITY 19

GUNGHO Marketing continued their duel at the top of the Premier Division table with a superb 32-19 victory over Saints Security.

Gungho are a point behind leaders New Body Fitness but with a game in hand, but are behind Belle Construction on goal difference, with Belle also having a game in hand over New Body.

These evenly-matched teams had to work hard to secure goals, and this was reflected in a score of 7-5 to Gungho, despite great use of rebounds by Saints’ GK, Steph Nation.

Saints continued to secure interceptions but Gungho upped their game to score a string of goals in quick succession. Gungho’s Telisha Barrey (WD) made some brilliant interceptions and was key in getting the ball down court to her shooters.

Saints’ WA, Sarah Garman, made impressive use of space outside the circle to feed into her shooters, who were able to lower the score difference slightly going into the final quarter.

Gungho’s shooters found good space in the circle to combat tough defence. Saints faced equally tough defence from Gungho’s GK, Lauren McRobbie, who made superb use of rebounds for her team. Gungho’s skill shone through as they secured a convincing victory and continued their winning streak.

Division One

EXPERT CATERING 50

WYKE SMUGGLERS 28

EXPERT Catering took a big 50-28 victory over third place Wyke Smugglers to stay top of the Division One table in the South & West Dorset Netball League.

The match started slow as each team settled into their rhythm. However, Expert was slightly quicker and took advantage to carve out a small lead. Wyke worked well around the court but struggled to intercept, giving Expert more opportunities to score.

Expert fed some lovely balls into the circle, where Hettie Hudson (GS) and Bryony White (GA) showed excellent teamwork and use of rebounds to further their team’s lead. Wyke showed more assertive court play but were unable to convert.

Both teams made tactical changes at half-time; this was the Wyke needed, as they matched Expert goal-for-goal. Wyke defenders Adelaide Elsom (GD) and Eve Montgomerie (GK) put superb pressure on Expert’s shooters, who had to up their game to get the goals.

Wyke had a strong quarter, with brilliant centre passes and skilful shooting; however, Expert’s consistently strong play kept them in the lead throughout, resulting in a well-earned victory.

COASTAL CHEESE 27

TEAM WAIKIKI 30

TEAM Waikiki managed to start pulling away from the bottom two with a narrow 30-27 victory over Coastal Cheese.

A fast-paced first quarter saw some well-timed interceptions from both teams, moving the ball back and forth across the court. Play was fairly even, with Waikiki leading by only one point at the end of the quarter.

Waikiki’s GD, Jo Baldwin, showed great skill to keep a tight defence but Waikiki’s shooters took advantage of every scoring opportunity, with Lin Rawcliffe (GA) never missing a shot.

Despite a team change in the third quarter due to injury, Waikiki continued to give their all; however, Coastal upped their game and were able to close the gap slightly.

Coastal’s fast pace proved difficult for Waikiki to match. Coastal created some good scoring opportunities which Holly Fowler (GS) easily converted. However, Waikiki remained strong and held off Coastal’s determined play, allowing them to end a hard-fought game triumphant.

Division Two

BAY FENCING 50

ALLWAYS REMOVALS 36

BAY Fencing kept up their charge at the top of the Division Two table with a steady 50-36 victory over Allways Removals.

Another slow start saw teams struggling to score – a testament to the strength and skill of these teams. Allways’ C, Becky Warland, made good use of space to maintain possession for her team.

With Allways three goals ahead, Bay upped their game. Allways’ shooters faced sturdy defence from Bay’s GD, Becky Chance, but GA Steph Layland was on top form, steadily increasing her team’s lead.

Bay’s Jess Pym (GS) secured some brilliant shots and used rebounds well to close the gap slightly.

Bay made use of exceptional long passes to create space in the D. Their shooters were on form, easily overcoming Allways’ defence and ensuring their team were the victors at the end of this competitive match.