Regional League 2
Trident 50, Hucclecote 54

TRIDENT came oh so close to a second league win of the season on Saturday, only for Hucclecote to come away as victors by four goals.

Polly Ridgway shone for the hosts at Taunton Vale, and there are plenty of positives for the team to take into 2019.

Player of the match: Polly Ridgway; sponsor: PW Pepperell & Son

Somerset Division 1
Harlequins 42, Parkfield 49

IT was with trepidation that Parkfield faced Harlequins, having drawn with them at home a few weeks ago, after what was a very physical battle.

The Galmington side trailed by a couple of goals for most of the first half, but regrouped and came back stronger, surging into a 10-goal lead before eventually winning 49-42.

This was a notable victory, with the players proud to have overcome the strength and determination of the opposition.

Parkfield’s unflustered and level-headed attitude proved the key.

POM: the team; sponsor: eat the bird

Somerset Division 3
Jesters 40, Highfield 43

HIGHFIELD travelled to Midsomer Norton and were thrilled to find out they were playing inside against Jesters, just in time for the wind and rain to arrive!

Starting with a new line-up, Highfield soon got into the swing of things, moving the ball quickly and driving into space.

They used the court well in the first quarter, showing variety in their play, and finishing the quarter 15-9 up.

In the second quarter, the team remained the same and the players continued to build momentum despite a Jesters fightback, to lead 26-19.

Jesters made a few changes and came back strong in the third quarter, cutting the Highfield lead to just one goal, 32-31.

But the visitors regrouped and went back out determined to secure the win.

In the end they maintained their lead, winning by three goals as the game finished 43-40.

POM: Hannah L; sponsor: Mr & Mrs Hawkins

***

WITH weather warnings in place, fixtures for Taunton NC teams Tone, Quantock and Priory were quickly cancelled.

Monmouth attempted to play their game against Swans of Wells, but it was eventually called off.

And so the only match to be completed was Blackdown’s against Walton.

Somerset Division 2
Blackdown 40, Walton 44

IN the first quarter Walton converted all of Blackdown’s missed shots, in high winds.

Walton had strong defence, making it tricky for Blackdown to deliver the ball to their shooters, and they took a 12-5 lead.

Walton’s attack and defence both stepped up in the second quarter, with some fine passing, though Blackdown’s defence did well to keep pace.

Lucy Cox (GS) got some amazing goals from the edge of the circle but Walton extended their lead to 26-17.

The third quarter saw a change of tactics for Blackdown, due to the weather, in all areas of the court.

Rhonda Robins and Zoe Godber-Ford managed to get several rebounds in Blackdown’s defensive circle and many interceptions.

Numerous calls for footwork and replayed balls were made, and Walton maintained their lead (37-26).

Going into the final quarter, Blackdown were certain that Walton would take the win but didn’t want to make it too easy for them.

It was only in the final five minutes that Blackdown realised how close the score now was, with just two goals in it.

Intensity was high but Walton scraped through with some quick turnovers, and after a cold and windy hour they took the win.

Player of the match: Hanna Jarvis; opposition’s player of the match: Lucy Cox; squad: GS Lucy Cox, GA Hanna Jarvis, WA Kate Stubbins, C Charlotte O’Leary, WD Trish Hutchinson, GD Zoe Godber-Ford, GK Rhonda Robins, reserve Ali White; sponsor: Mortgage Select