Jupiter 47, Team Bath B 41

JUPITER’S last game of the season was at home, and having marginally lost to Team Bath away they knew it was going to be tough, but they were full of confidence from their last win and began the game determined.

This confidence paid off, and with superb defensive pressure from player of the match Lisa Durant Jupiter led 25-16 at half-time.

Team changes at half-time disrupted Jupiter’s flow and allowed Team Bath back into the game.

Into the final quarter, Jupiter remained focused with fantastic interceptions and tips by Sammie Woolacott, ensuring that the ball was passed fluently down the court to the shooters, allowing Becky Palmer to put shots away.

Jupiter controlled the game to run out winners.

Jupiter 60 Imperial 55

JUPITER took the victory in their penultimate game of the season as they beat Imperial 60-55.

The game was goal for goal, but player of the match Becky Palmer’s (GA) accurate shooting allowed Jupiter to inch ahead, going into the second quarter 16-14 ahead.

Tight play continued in the second quarter and meant every turnover ball could not be wasted.

Jupiter maintained strong play throughout, but due to forced errors by the Imperial players they went into the third quarter a goal down.

A change to Jupiter’s seven saw Sammy Kemmish come on in defence, and the fresh legs approach seemed to benefit Jupiter and effective communication from Kemmish allowed goalkeeper Lisa Durant to make well-timed and valuable interceptions.

This, combined with Baylea Charles’ precise and skilful passing, allowed Jupiter to take a five-goal lead going into the final quarter.

Possession was key, and Jupiter knew that to keep their lead they had to work hard to try to score off of every centre pass, as well as capitalising on every turnover ball.

A few wayward passes from Jupiter allowed Imperials to close the gap, but vital tips and dynamic play allowed Jupiter to move the ball with ease down the court.

Venus 40 Kestrels 55

AS the midweek evening temperature dropped, home side Kestrels took an early lead, but Venus were soon in pursuit, aiming to narrow a six-goal advantage.

The understanding between Mattie Williams (GS) and goal attack Sarah Perry was evident in the second quarter as both worked in harmony to create openings to feed in decisively by Chris Shaw (WA) and Alisha Gardener (C), and finish off with a good accuracy by the shoots.

Trailing by four at the start of the third quarter, the defensive three of Hollie Cornish (WD), Saskia Middleton (GD) and Morgan Middleton (GK), worked tirelessly to apply pressure on Kestrels attack but Venus showed signs of crumbling throughout the court as the home side extended their lead.

In a final quarter push, Venus matched Kestrels goal for goal and excellent reading of the game by player of the match, Saskia Middleton, produced numerous interceptions but it wasn't enough to deny the home side a win.

Saturn 35 Gems 44

SATURN were narrowly beaten by top of the table Gems on Saturday.

Saturn came out fighting, forcing errors in the first few minutes, but Gems didn’t stay quiet for long, ending the first quarter 14-9 ahead.

A well-contested second quarter saw numerous tips from Sally Haysham (GD) and Julie McLean (GK) close the gap to just three at one point, but Gems soon extended their lead by five at half-time.

In the final quarter, Michelle Stone (C) showed relentless determination, working hard at both ends of the court, although her efforts were matched from the Gems side.

Saturn battled admirably to the end but couldn’t manage the win.

Player of the match Katy Cheese.

Neptune 40 Rubies 47

NEPTUNE knew they were in for a hard game against local rivals Rubies.

After beating them in the reverse fixture they were apprehensive against a slightly different line-up.

After a slow start and a number of mistakes Neptune found themselves trailing 12-9.

The second quarter saw excellent feeds from Dawn Fothergill to shooters Lianne Forhergill and player of the match Karis Holleran, helping to level the half-time score.

Despite tireless defending from Hollie Cornish, Emma Downes and Bex Dunn, the third quarter finished 33-34 to Rubies.

In the final quarter Chris Durant worked solidly up and down the whole court to try and pull back the goals, but unfortunately the game ended 47-40 in Rubies favour.

Venus 29 Claremont 63

IT took time to settle into the first quarter and despite some positive play from Venus Claremont took the lead 18-5.

Venus had a much stronger second quarter with great centre court play from Chris Shaw (WA) and Lily Rowland (C), as well as accurate shooting from Mattie Williams (GS) and Sarah Perry (GA), ensuring that they closed the gap 32-16.

Despite great defensive play from Morgan Middleton (GD) and Saskia Middleton (GK), Claremont remained in control and won 29-63.

Player of the match was Morgan Middleton.

Mars 50 Emeralds 38

THIS game began with an unsteady first quarter for Mars, trailing 8-12 due to accurate shooting by the opposition.

The centre court players worked well with safe passing from Alisha Gardener, Amy Knight and Elaine Bartlett to ensure that Emeralds did not gain a greater advantage.

The half-time score was 19-20 to Emeralds, but the second half saw a complete turnaround.

Mars worked tirelessly in the final period, pressurising Emeralds’ shooters and making some good tips.

This high level of effort paid off for Mars as they came away with a comfortable 50-38 win, joint players of the match being Saskia Middleton and Sophie Cornish.

Mercury 27, Monmouth 53

MERCURY started off well considering there were four under- 14s in the line-up with the scores equal at quarter time, 10-10.

However, despite strong defending from Emily Rossiter (GD) and Hana Middleton (GK), Monmouth’s experience showed and they pulled away in the second quarter.

Consistent shooting from Norah Lewis (GS) and Cerys Ethridge (GA) couldn’t pull it back, but the team continued to play well to the end with good passing from Darcie Dunn (C) and Lauren Cooke (WD).

Player of the match was Darcie Dunn.