Tight wins for New Body and Zest - netball round-up

NEW BODY FITNESS 44

BUGLERS 40

NEW Body Fitness edged a highly competitive South & West Dorset League Premier Division clash with Buglers 44-40.

Buglers led after some great interceptions and outstanding shots from GS Emily England. However, New Body began to steal possession back and move the ball up court for a four-goal lead.

New Body maintained a strong lead with a beautiful back line pass set up by GK Ellen Surtees and GD Tia Challoner. New Body continued to show excellent circle movement and preserved their lead at the end of the first half.

As the third quarter began tensions remained high as both teams battled it out.

READ MORE: South & West Dorset League - week eight round-up

Buglers used a new tactic of short but effective passes up the court keeping the majority of possession. However, New Body was not letting up with impressive interceptions and shooting they extended to eight goals their lead.

As soon as the whistle was blown New Body’s WA Kirsty Winning was in first for the ball, her sharp movements allowed for a straight line to goal where Challoner was able to consistently score from all positions.

Spirits remained high with Buglers as they carefully planned ball placement and maintained possession despite New Body’s efforts.

Buglers began closing the gap with excellent passes and movement around the circle but it was too little, too late.

THE WATERLOO 22

WJNC WILDCATS 56

WJNC Wildcats kept up the pressure on Division One leaders Artifex Dragons with a 56-22 success over The Waterloo.

It was a confident start for Wildcats who scored the first five goals, countered with lots of opportunities being made by Waterloo WA Jo Davies to bring them back. Strong defending by Wildcats’ GK Maraia Ratulaiai shut down lots of passes into the goal circle.

Waterloo brought on Charlotte Cross as WA and Jo Davies to WD which supported their strong start to this quarter, scoring four goals unanswered.

The teams then scored goal for goal before Wildcats pulled ahead to finish the quarter with a three-goal lead.

Wildcats come roaring out the gate to extend their lead and were able to score fast with steady passing into the goal circle by WA Poppy Brodrick.

Another Waterloo player came off with an injury which allowed two minutes of extra time to end the game, as Wildcats took a well-deserved win.

ZEST 31

TEAM WAIKIKI 27

ANOTHER closely-contested match saw Zest defeat Team Waikiki 31-27 in Division One.

Waikiki dominated possession but Zest defended well to prevent any shots in the opening five minutes.

Zest scored the opening goal of the game through Emma Mills but Waikiki earned a 3-2 lead after an intense first quarter.

Zest started the second quarter particularly strong with positive mid-court play and being rewarded with great goals to close the gap. However, Waikiki were able to keep their lead with consistent scoring from GA Hayley Rooks.

Waikiki made a change at half-time to bring on Lin Rawcliffe as GS who made a positive start. Waikiki started stronger with superb mid-court play and began to pull away.

Zest brought it back by some quick consecutive accurate shots in an end-to-end game and reduced the deficit to only three goals.

The goal-for-goal play continued with Zest managing to level the score thanks to some tactical playing of the ball around the circle despite some persistent defensive pressure from Waikiki.

But Zest continued to dominate at the end of the quarter and crucially took the lead in the closing minutes to seal a fine comeback.

ARTIFEX KRAKENS 58

WJNC WAVES 24

ARTIFEX Krakens claimed their sixth win from seven Division Two games, beating WJNC Waves 58-24.

The game started with great defensive play from Krakens WD Kat King but were challenged with some strong turnovers from Waves C Emily Rockett and GD Rebecca Wood.

Some superb shooting from Krakens allowed them to pull away from Waves, this was secured by some strong interceptions from Krakens’ GK Dawn Rendell.

Waves scored the first goal of the second quarter, aided by consistent strong shooting by Waves GA Willow Charlton, however the strong defence of Krakens preserved their lead.

Accurate shooting from Krakens’ GS Rosa Russell continued their impressive lead.

Waves showed some great teamwork and interceptions in the centre to keep possession but it was not enough to stop excellent rebounds by Krakens’ GD Chloe Calton.

Waves started the final quarter with some strong marking to challenge Krakens as much as possible. Excellent control of the ball by Krakens’ C Sue Stevens sent strong balls straight into the goal circle to help them secure their win.