GALMINGTON entertained Raychem from Swindon at the Vale in Regional League Division One on Sunday and, after an even start, they scored five goals without reply to open up a 9-3 lead.

It was a strong first quarter for the home side with Kirsty Gaines taking numerous interceptions in defence and Laura Dyke shooting superbly at the other end allowing Galmington to finish the quarter 16-9 ahead.

The next period saw Raychem close the gap to just two goals at one point before Galmington reasserted their authority again to reach half-time 28-22 in front.

Raychem’s young goal shooter was in fine form for the visitors and her movement and accuracy saw her side gradually reduce the arrears and draw level towards the end of the third quarter - and although Galmington retook the lead to go into the final period leading 40-38, the result was very much in the balance.

Raychem immediately drew level again, before Galmington were able to pull five goals ahead as goalkeeper Helen Jones brilliantly restricted the strong Raychem attack to just a single goal in a crucial five minute spell.

Galmington still had to stay focussed to resist the Raychem pressure but this they did well to record a deserved if sometimes tense victory by 55 goals to 49.

Trident have not made a good start to their Regional League Division Two season and were up against another Swindon team, Lawn, on Saturday.

They made an excellent start, playing the quality netball of which they are capable, and quickly built an 11-4 lead.

Lawn scored a couple of late goals but Trident were still 15-10 in front at the first break.

The second quarter saw each side dominate in parts as Trident’s lead varied between three and seven goals but again Lawn scored the last two goals of the period to leave Trident 24-19 up at half-time.

Nerves began to play a part as the Wiltshire team made further inroads into the deficit and Trident were only 33-31 ahead going into the last quarter. Lawn then soon drew level but Trident, for whom Laura Phelps was outstanding in mid-court throughout, rallied again to go back in front and they held on for a fine 46-42 victory.

In the Somerset League Premier Division Claremont had a local derby against Vivary and were soon in trouble as they trailed 6-1.

Vivary seemed in control as they pulled further away 12-5 before Claremont scored three times but were still 12-8 down after the first quarter.

Claremont closed the gap to just one goal early in the second quarter with Kate Northcott particularly impressive at wing defence but Vivary were able to stay ahead and led 20-18 at the halfway break.

It was Vivary who began the third period the stronger, extending their lead to six goals but, with goalkeeper Tanya Contreras in excellent form,

Claremont stayed in touch and were only 28-26 adrift at the start of the final quarter.

Claremont soon drew level and took the lead for the first time in the match at 34-33.

Loxley King, who had come on at half-time returning after a long-term injury, looked like she had never been away as her speed of pass caused panic in the Vivary defence.

Superb shooting from Caitlin Evans took full advantage as Claremont suddenly moved eight goals in front and, despite a late rally from Vivary, Claremont recorded a magnificent win by 43 goals to 38.

In Division Three Newbarn fell behind early in their match against a strong and experienced Spears team from Paulton.

They did well to come back in the second half to secure a bonus point with Lucy Hunt playing well at goal attack but were defeated 40-27.