Vivary 41, Gems 54

SYDENHAM Gems went to Taunton to play Vivary, who are always a hard side to play against, but Gems soon led 13-9.

Gems kept their lead and the third quarter was their best, demonstrating some great attacking play and great defence, making interceptions and their shooters converting chances for a 40-25 lead.

Vivary stepped it up a notch in the final quarter but Gems kept their composure to win 54-41.

Player of the match & opposition’s player of the match: Nic Hale; umpire’s player of the match: Beth Fella

Kestrels 61, Sapphires 33

SAPPHIRES started well but handling errors and a miscommunication let opponents Kestrels get into the lead.

After a team talk in the break, Sapphires fought hard and won some turnovers, but Kestrels pushed on and were ahead 32-17 by the half-time interval.

Sapphires made positional changes and hassled Kestrels for the third quarter but, with some fine shooting, Kestrels pulled further ahead and finished the quarter leading 48-26.

With further changes for the last quarter Sapphires gave it all they had, but unfortunately for them, they finished the game with Kestrels winning 61-33.

POM & UPOM: Katie Harris; OPOM: Susan Bushnell

Kingfishers 40, Rubies 52

RUBIES travelled to Castle Cary for a KO Cup game against Kingfishers.

They got off to a steady start, leading by three goals, an advantage they then increased by 10.

There was some excellent play in the final quarter, with great interceptions made by Katie Issit, Jessie Venning, Anna Belcher and Amy Knight.

POM: Amy Knight; UPOM & OPOM: Anna Belcher

Venus 48, Emeralds 48

EMERALDS ended the first quarter 14-12 down, which became 26-22 at the end of the first half, but they stepped back onto the court determined to catch up.

Hollie Davies showed fantastic shooting, assisted by Charlie Webb, pushing them ahead 38-37, with amazing interceptions from Laura Coombes, Lily Garwood and Danielle Carter-White, as the game finished in a draw.

POM: Danielle Carter-White; UPOM: Hollie Davies & Amelia Williams; OPOM: Hollie Davies; all matches sponsored by Myra Richards in memory of Gordon Richards

***

Saturn 29, Abbey 29

STRONG accurate feeds from Izzy Innalls (WA) and good movement by Cerys Ethridge (GS) and Kia Jenner (GA) got Bridgwater Saturn off the mark, but despite their efforts the first quarter ended 15-7 to Abbey.

Ellie Schofield (C) and Katie Antony (WD) combined well in the centre court, but the visitors were able to extend their lead. Great defence from Sally Haysham (GD) and Eve Jenner (GK) turned over ball giving Abbie Newton (GS) the opportunity to narrow the gap.

Despite all their efforts in the final quarter, Abbey secured the win.

Player of the match: Cerys Ethridge; sponsor: Merrick Construction

Neptune 36, Monmouth 56

NEPTUNE were at home this weekend, playing Taunton side Monmouth.

The game got off to a good start, with Lillie Mills (WD) and Hazel Hucker (WA) linking well with Jess Chee (C) and Izzie Keane (GA), but timely interceptions by the Monmouth defence frustrated their efforts.

Eve Jenner (GD) and Emma Cocks (GK) worked well around the circle, supported by Julie McClean (WD), but the opposition began to pull away.

The final quarter was Neptune’s best, as dynamic play and impressive shooting from Becky Hooper (GA) and Jenna Butler (GS) gave impetus to the team.

POM & OPOM: Eve Jenner; sponsor Powercuts Hair Salon

Venus 48, Emeralds 48

VENUS went out against an energetic Emeralds side, the height of Becky Kennard (GS) and Alicia Clapp (GA) enabling the hosts to pull away to end the first quarter 14-12 up.

Great feeding and movement from player of the match Olivia Jacob (C) and Georgia Surtees (WA) kept Venus in front but a resurgent Emeralds clawed back the deficit, despite great tips and interceptions by Jazz Alexander (GD) and Amy Miller (GK).

Starting the final quarter one goal up, Venus played their part in an end-to-end contest, and they scored in the final seconds to end honours even.

Sponsor: TMB Patterns Ltd

Luna 65, Canons 14

LUNA played a cup fixture against a very young and inexperienced Canons side.

Rebecca Dunn (GD) made several timely interceptions to give Luna possession and a first quarter lead of 18-2.

Bethan Coleman (C) covered the court well, and Sharon Ethridge (GS) and Sarah Edwards (GA) dominated the circle.

Gail Cornish worked tirelessly to bring the ball up the court but Canons, to their credit had a good final quarter and never gave up.

POM: Sharon Ethridge, Laura Date & Gail Cornish; OPOM: Sarah Edwards; sponsor: Paul Atyeo Building Services