Regional League 3 South
Sydenham Gems 32, Taunton Vivary 46

HOSTS Sydenham Gems started off the stronger of the two teams, with Vivary going 5-1 down in the opening minutes of their first match of the new season. 

Vivary quickly turned this around, though, winning the first quarter 15-8. 

The visitors continued to play good, flowing netball and extended their lead, but the third quarter saw Gems claw back into the game despite Lauren Knight (WD) producing three spectacular interceptions in a row. 

Vivary were 32-26 up going into the last quarter, in which they extended their lead for a well-deserved win.

Amelia Watson, Mya Hounsell and Lauren Wilkinson all made their Vivary and regional debuts in the match.

Players of the match (POM): Lauren Knight and Mya Hounsell; opposition’s player of the match (OPOM): Lauren Knight; squad: Lauren Wilkinson, Nicole Smith, Emily Tong, Lauren Knight, Meg Palmer, Amelia Watson, Mya Hounsell, Freya Bryant, Susie Marsh, Faye Symons; sponsor: Shine Hair Management

Somerset Premier Division
Stanchester Sharks 46, Monmouth 35

MONMOUTH opened up a four-goal lead, but Sharks were up for a fight and clawed the score back (11-11). 

The second quarter was just as close and Sharks led by one at half time (23-24). 

Errors started to creep in which Sharks converted at the other end. 

An unfortunate injury to GA Hannah Cork meant a change in Monmouth’s shooting circle, Lucy Cox making her Premier Division debut (30-37). 

Monmouth were unable to get back into the game in the final quarter. 

POM: Vicki Cornish; OPOM: Molly White; squad: Vicki Cornish, Hannah Cork, Molly White, Kim Radford, Erin Humphris, Amy McGregor, Verity Ward, Lucy Cox; sponsor: Wilkie May and Tuckwood

Somerset Division 1
Quantock 66, Keinton Kites 25

QUANTOCK were rushing the ball into the circle to begin with, but they slowed down and the goals went in with the quarter finishing 10-9 to Quantock.

Strong interceptions from defence and accurate passes extended Quantock’s lead (24-13).

Quantock remained strong and consistent throughout the rest of the game, with excellent shooting from Helen Lucas and Maisie Reynolds. 

POM: Kate Durbin; squad: Helen Lucas, Maisie Reynolds, Claire Mason, Kate Durbin, Abbey Teape, Sharlie White, Melissa Cleverly, Lauren Knight; sponsor: Mecca Bingo

Somerset Division 2
Priory 42, Galmington Newbarn 35

THE first quarter saw Priory take a 14-8 lead, and they made further headway with a strong team effort (27-18). 

Newbarn made a big comeback in the third quarter with some good turnovers, reducing Priory’s lead (33-27). 

In the final quarter Priory regained composure and sealed the win. 

POM and OPOM: Zoe Stacey; squad: GS Zoe Stacey, GA Sophie Bond, WA Andrea Dobson, C Sarah Hughes, WD Freya Bryant, GD Denise Evely, GK Helen Cleverly/Becky Lucas; sponsor: Matt Durbin Associates

Somerset Division 2
Blackdown 32, Yeovil Reckford 22

BLACKDOWN knew they had to make a strong start and took an early 9-7 lead. 

Blackdown pulled away leaving a seven-goal gap at half-time, with Maddy Russell positioned well under the post for rebounds. 

Ria at GD made some great tips and slowed down Reckleford’s play whilst Tina, Louise and Rebecca brought the ball seamlessly down the court to Lucy at GS who duly converted (27-18).

The final quarter saw Rhonda make countless interceptions at GK and Tina at WD making interceptions as Blackdown saw out the win

POM was Lucy Cox. The squad: GS Lucy Cox, GA Maddy Russell, WA Rebecca Willy, C Louise Frost, WD Tina Follett, GD Ria Binding, GK Rhonda Robins. Blackdown sponsored by Mortgage Select

Somerset Division 3
Tudor 28, Yeovil Aldon 22

TUDOR started well and were 10-7 up after the first quarter. 

The second quarter proved more of a challenge as Aldon’s defence put a stop to feeds into the circle and they managed to take the lead. 

A slight change to the Tudor team in the third quarter saw improvements, which continued into the final quarter as Tudor took the win. 

POM was Tanya Binding. The squad: GS Lucy Hird, GA Ellie Murray, WA Tina Follett/Maddy Russell, C Ally Gabell, WD Libby Binding, GD Ria Binding, GK Tanya Binding, reserve Maddy Russell. 

Somerset Division 3
Brendon 40, Keinton Kingfishers 16

SOME great work in the centre court gave Brendon an early lead, coupled with great defensive rebounds sending the ball back up the court (16-1). 

Brendon gelled well with great feeds and working the space to get the ball into the circle - an enjoyable match with an evenly matched opposition.

POM was Charlotte Owen. The squad: GS Beth Lacy-Rigby, GA Charlotte Owen, WA Mel Reynolds, C Nicole Smith, WD Emma Burns GD Sophia Valmiki, GK Trish Hutchinson. Brendon sponsored by Bridgwater and Taunton College

******

Regional League 1
Galmington 42, Titans 44

GALMINGTON’S opening Regional League match of the season saw them come out firing, taking a three-goal lead early on.

Titans fought back, though, forcing errors and leading by a couple of goals at halfway.

Galmington made changes across the court, but could not quite pull it back.

Player of the match: Isla May; sponsor: Admiral School of Motoring

Regional League 3 South
Hovelands 43, Spartans 48

HOVELANDS were also plucky losers on their Regional League 3 debut.

The first quarter finished 13-13, but Spartans took command in the next two periods.

Hovelands won the final quarter, in what was an encouraging start.

POM: Bea Renyard; sponsor: Joseph Wood Builders

Somerset Premier Division
Bridgwater Saturn 40, Claremont 56

CLAREMONT sped into an early lead, and remained in confident mood.

Taking their scoring chances, they made it three wins from three.

POM: Ella; sponsor: Somerset County Sports

Somerset Division 1
Bridgwater Neptune 22, Parkfield 36

IN wet conditions, new-look Parkfield edged a close first quarter, and held on to their lead throughout.

POM: Hannah Squire; sponsor: eat the bird

Somerset Division 2
Bridgwater Venus 19, Queensway 52

QUEENSWAY also sit on three wins from three.

They led 16-8 at half time, and powered 40-13 ahead going into the final 15 minutes.

POM: Anna Brown; sponsor: Yew Tree Group

IN Division 3, Comeytrowe triumphed 58-27 away to Bridgwater Mars, but Highfield lost 42-28 at Bridgwater Luna.