CLAREMONT, looking to consolidate their promotion challenge at the top of division one of the Somerset league, were held to a draw at Keinton Mandeville.

The Galmington outfit started slowly and trailed 10-7 after the first quarter.

However, they responded well with goal attack Caitlin Evans shooting accurately and combining excellently with goalshooter Gina Sayers, who was also in fine form.

The score was locked at 21 goals apiece at half-time and there was little to choose between the teams in the third quarter which ended with Kestrels holding the narrowest of leads, 29-28.

It was anybody’s game in the final period. With Claremont’s Kate Northcott calm under pressure in the centre court her team were able to snatch a well-deserved draw at 38-38.

In the premier division Hovelands’ run of good form came to a soggy end in the rain against Sharks in Yeovil.

Unused to being exposed to the elements, Hovelands found themselves eight goals adrift after the first quarter.

And although they found some form with Steph Andrews impressive in mid-court, they were unable to reduce the deficit and slipped to a 41-32 defeat.

Parkfield had a tense battle with first division rivals Dolphins, but with Kate Hemmings superb at goal attack, they edged home 40-39.

Newbarn, for whom Helen Hunter had an excellent match, maintained their push for promotion from division three with a fine 44-24 win over Blackdown.

In the same division Comeytrowe produced a very encouraging performance against a strong Purnell team but were still beaten 36-23 despite the efforts of Sally Perry in defence.