Sydenham Sapphires 37, Sharks 44 SAPPHIRES played away to Sharks of Stanchester and a close first quarter produced great effort from both teams.

Carly Martin was replaced by Debbie Chapman due to injury, and she gave a great performance throughout.

With some excellent interceptions and pressure from Sue Bushnell and Karen Lewis in defence, Sapphires turned the game around for a goal difference of only one during the second quarter.

Sharks started the third quarter strongly to increase the lead to 10 but Sapphires persevered with great encouragement from captain Carly Martin.

In the final quarter, a determined Sapphires continued the hard work, with Katie Ball and Laura Coombes finding shooters Gemma Thorne and Nic Hale more easily, but were unable to close the gap.

Players of the match were Sue Bushnell and Karen Lewis.

Sydenham Rubies 35, Dolphins 56 RUBIES started strongly with great centre court play and interceptions from Helen Martin, and great shooting from Hannah Read and Sandra Fry to take a good lead at the end of the first quarter.

Dolphins fought back strongly applying pressure on Rubies’ attack forcing errors, to move into the lead at half-time.

Rubies worked well together but, despite their best efforts, Dolphins pulled away to a 56-35 win.

Player of the match was Helen Martin.

Sydenham Emeralds 34, Robins 31 EMERALDS played Robins at Bruton and took a 12-5 lead. Despite strong defending from Emily Hoare and Trudy McDowell, Robins fought back strongly but Emeralds continued to hold the lead 18-12 at half time.

A level third quarter for both teams saw steady shooting from Roxy McDowell and Lynne Cornish, under great pressure from Robins’ defenders.

The final quarter was won by Robins but Emeralds held on to win by three goals.

Emily Hoare was voted player of the game.