Sydenham Sapphires 42, Wyndham 38

SYDENHAM Sapphires secured promotion to the Somerset Premier League with a hard-fought 42-38 victory over Wyndham.

Needing at least a point for promotion, Sapphires battled their way to the win in a narrow a tightly contested affair.

Tight defending from Beth Fella and Nic Hale saw a few turnovers in the opening quarter, which in turn lead to extra goals, allowing Sapphires to take the first quarter 10 - 8.  

Sapphires knew that in order to maintain their lead they needed to play their own game.

After a slightly erratic start, controlled and accurate passing from centre court players Katie Ball and Kelly Thorne helped to bring control back to the game and Sapphires maintained the lead at half time, 20 - 17.

The third quarter saw a 'goal for goal' game, resulting in Sapphires maintaining the lead after the third quarter - but at 31-27, there was still all to play for.  

The game remained tight throughout, but great team work and accurate shooting from Lynne Cornish and Paige Pople meant that Sapphires were able to score off every centre pass, making it difficult for Wyndham to take back the lead.

The game ended with Sapphires winning 42-38 and therefore securing their promotion to the Premier league.