Somerset League Premier Division
Paulton Tomahawks 59, Galmington Hovelands 63

A SLOW start for a new team with new combinations saw Hovelands slip to a one-goal deficit in the first quarter against Paulton Tomahawks, with the match being played in Yeovil. 

They entered the fourth quarter seven goals down but sheer determination and the will to remain unbeaten led them to dominate the court and win by a four-goal margin. 

This came as a result of an outstanding full court defence and a strong shooting performance and positioning from Gina Sayer and Polly Land, which made it easy for the attack to feed the circle and keep the goals coming. 

The result keeps their winning run going and boosts their Premier Division title challenge, as they remain top of the table.

The player of the match award was shared between Gina Sayer (GS), Hannah Symes (GK) and Lydia Reeves (GD), the latter two for their steely performances in the rearguard.

THERE were no South West Regional League fixtures for Galmington or Trident last weekend, with the competition taking a break.

This Saturday, Trident host Hucclecote Comets in Regional 2, while Galmington entertain Carol Anne in Regional 1 the following day.

THE Somerset KO Cup quarter-final draws have been made, and are as follows:

Premier and Division 1 quarter-finals: Claremont v Newton; Abbey v Sharks; Swans v Tone; Hendford v Hovelands
Division 2 and Division 3 quarter-finals: Venus v Kites; Thorns v Bishops; Blackdown v Priory; Spears v Aldon

Somerset Division 1
Bruton Robins 12, Taunton Monmouth 25

MONMOUTH travelled to play Bruton’s Robins, and the visitors came away with a 25-12 victory. 

Despite the wind blowing and the rain driving on top of a hill, Monmouth’s newly-formed team came out eager to win. 

Confident play right from the start and defensive interceptions helped Monmouth secure a slight lead (6-4). 

The second quarter saw Monmouth get used to the conditions and read the play better than their opponents. 

Nicole, at GD, was able to rattle the attacking circle, reading the drop pass into the D well. 

Monmouth remained calm and continued to adapt to the conditions – playing their game, keeping possession and working the ball around their attacking circle, until they led 16-7 at halfway. 

Both defensive and attacking play in the third quarter was solid and the game continued well from Monmouth’s point of view (21-9). 

The final quarter saw fewer goals scored due to the weather conditions; the ball was slippery and the players were cold. 

All in all, it was an enjoyable game with plenty to be happy about in terms of Monmouth’s performance and teamwork. 

Player of the match: Nicole Smith; squad: GS Helen Lucas, GA Jade Barnett, WA Becca Willy, C Kim Radford, WD Sharlie White, GD Nicole Smith, GK Melissa Cleverly; sponsor: Granite Transformations

Somerset Division 1
Purnell Harlequins 37, Taunton Quantock 20

QUANTOCK travelled to play Harlequins and lost 37-20.

Both teams started off slowly, with the weather making it hard to shoot. 

After a low-scoring first quarter, Harlequins led 5-9, and the second quarter saw Lauren Wilkinson change from GS to GA and Tanya Binding come on at GS. 

WA Andrea Dobson and C Rachel Morgan made good feeds into the circle but it wasn’t enough and, at half time, Harlequins had extended their lead to 22-11.

The visitors made more changes, with WD Trish Hutchinson leaving the court and Andrea Dobson taking the position. 

With Quantock behind, GD Amy and GK Linda worked tirelessly to stop Harlequins’ attacking efforts but they proved a tough opposition and the third quarter ended 29-16. 

Quantock tried tirelessly to pull their opponents back, but their inexperience in playing together ultimately proved decisive. 

Despite Lauren and Tanya testing Harlequins’ defence in the circle, the final score was a win for Harlequins by 17 goals. 

POM: Lauren Wilkinson; squad: Lauren Wilkinson, Tanya Binding, Rachel Morgan, Trish Hutchinson, Andrea Dobson, Amy Toole, Linda Holder; sponsor: Mecca Bingo