NETBALL: Galmington hold firm in regional league clash (From Somerset County Gazette)

NETBALL: Galmington hold firm in regional league clash

6:10pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in Sport

IN what has again been an extremely competitive and closely contested Regional League, Galmington faced yet another tough challenge when they took on Team Bath at the Vale on Sunday but pulled through 57-44.

Galmington made a strong start to open up a 7-2 lead but Bath, inspired by former England player Clare Elsley, gradually came back into the game and went in front for the first time right at the end of the first quarter to lead 12-11.

It was goal for goal in a tense second period and, although Bath did go two goals in front, Galmington responded brilliantly to reach half-time 24-22 ahead.

Bath quickly drew level at the start of the third quarter but Galmington then took a three goal lead only for Bath to level again.

However, Galmington then took a grip on the match with Beth Blackwell shooting superbly to build a 41-33 advantage going into the final period.

Again the first half of that last quarter was evenly contested and, with Galmington just 48-41 ahead, there was still plenty of time for Bath to mount a late challenge.

Galmington, though, maintained their shape and discipline, and, with Becky Squire dominant in mid-court and goalkeeper Charlotte Budden picking up numerous rebounds in the defence circle, they pulled away to record an important and thoroughly deserved win.

Somerset League Results: Premier Division: Trident 59, Babylon 39; player of the match: Nicky Ferguson. Sharks 41, Hovelands 49; player of the match: Sophie Hooley. Division One: Claremont 32, Parkfield 28; players of the match: Kirsty Mitchell & Heidi Kohlman. Dolphins 35, Claremont 29; player of the match Zoe Robinson. Harlequins 45, Parkfield 31; player of the match: Lydia Reeves. Division Two: Minstrels 45, Queensway 28; players of the match: Jazmin Chester & Tracey Day. Division Three: Newbarn 30, Canons 31; player of the match: Alice Kent.