Jupiter 58, Sharks 27

AFTER their success in previous weeks, Jupiter made a stuttering start against Sharks, who are well below them in the table. Speculative long passes into the circle were wasted and shots fell short of the mark, the home side doing just enough to keep their nose in front.

Jupiter still didn't impose themselves on the game in the second quarter but a stronger performance from the defence reined in the Sharks attack, giving Jupiter a more comfortable seven goal lead at half time. The introduction of Sammy Kemmish at goal attack had an immediate effect on Jupiter's game, the extra pace and height in the circle being used to good advantage by the attack of Amy Shaw (WA) and centre, Baylea Charles.

Great tactical play in defence from Beckie Cowley (GD) kept Sharks to a meagre 3 goals to give Jupiter a 42-20 platform to build on in the final quarter. Hannah Symes replaced the injured Imma Matcham at wing defence as Jupiter went from strength to strength, ending the match with a convincing victory.

Neptune 33, Dolphins 45

NEPTUNE started the game with a positive attitude, however, Dolphins' strong shooting left Neptune trailing by one goal after the first quarter. Great shooting from captain, Rachael Selway GA, helped keep Neptune in the game. The third quarter saw some excellent defending from Zoe Ingram WD. Despite great determination from Neptune, the final period saw Dolphins increase their lead to take the game 45-33.

Mars 39 Hendford 41

In a closely contested match between Mars and Hendford, the first quarter score was level at 7-7, with both teams looking strong at both ends of the court.

In the second quarter, however, a few poor passes by Mars ensured Hendford took advantage of turnovers, despite Mars’s best efforts to regain possession. Trailing 12-20 going into the third quarter, Mars showed signs of improvement at the attacking end of the court with Paige Langdon and Sarah Perry scoring 12 goals between them.

In spite of this, Hendford managed to pull ahead another goal, which meant Mars went into the final quarter 24-33 down. The balance of the game changed though. Vital interceptions in defence (Lucy Brown GK and Hannah Symes GD) and the centre court (Julie McClean WD, Courtney Steele C), and excellent feeds from Chris Shaw (WA), sparked a Mars comeback and from being 9 goals down, Mars pulled back to within one goal.

Sadly, time ran out for Mars who had been the far stronger team in the last period, as Hendford went on to win 41-39.

This week's matches were sponsored by Gerber Juice Co. Ltd.