GALMINGTON travelled to Dorset to play second-placed Poole in Regional League Division One, and, having won the home fixture by two goals, were expecting another close encounter.

True to form, the first quarter was evenly contested and there was nothing to separate the teams at the first interval with the score locked at 14-14.

Galmington goalkeeper Helen Jones was in excellent form, restricting Poole’s attacking options, and the sides again traded goal for goal as half-time arrived with the score still level at 25-25.

Unfortunately that was as good as it got for Galmington as Poole took control of the game in the third quarter. Galmington were unable to respond and they slipped to a disappointing 58-36 defeat.

In Division Two Trident went into their match at the Vale against Abbey Meads of Swindon knowing they had to win their final two matches to have any chance of a second successive promotion.

They began well playing controlled netball and opened up a 12-7 first quarter lead. With goalkeeper Sharon Chester in outstanding form, dominating the defensive circle, Trident pulled away to hold a comfortable 26-12 half-time lead.

The team continued to play excellent netball in the second half and strolled to victory 49-29.

Unfortunately other results did not go their way and any hope of promotion this season has now disappeared but that will not diminish what has been an extremely successful season.

In the Somerset League Premier Division leaders Hovelands had a Knock Out Cup Final dress rehearsal against Gems of Sydenham.

After even early exchanges, it was Gems who opened up a three-goal lead and, although Hovelands came back to level the score, Gems re-took the lead to hold a 13-11 advantage after the first quarter.

Gems maintained their hold on the match for most of the second period before Hovelands scored six goals without reply just before the break to take the lead for the first time, 24-23.

Hovelands now had the upper hand but could not pull away as Gems responded well to close the gap whenever Hovelands opened a small lead and there was still all to play for in the last quarter with Hovelands just 35-34 ahead.

It was a tense final 15 minutes with Hovelands still just a goal ahead with a few minutes left.

They played sensible controlled possession netball, with Kelly Sully, who had been superb throughout, dictating the play and the pressure finally told on Gems as Hovelands held on for a tense 47-44 victory.

Parkfield consolidated their mid-table position in Division One by defeating Rubies 37-30 with both Alisha Gardiner and Becca Brunt having fine matches while both Newbarn and Comeytrowe enjoyed clear wins in Division Three.

Zoe Newman and Charlotte Hooper-Bleekes were both particularly impressive for Newbarn who led 15-0 after the first quarter against Arrows of Paulton and went on to win 52-12.

Sue Cooper, in her new position at goal keeper, had an excellent match as Comeytrowe recorded their biggest win of the season, defeating Tor of Glastonbury 51-11.