THE new South West korfball season is up and running, with all three Taunton Soul teams playing their opening fixtures at home.

Originating in the Netherlands, korfball is similar to basketball and netball, with the objective being to shoot the ball through a basket which sits on a 3.5m high pole.

It is also one of the world's only mixed team sports, as each team of eight consists of four men and four women.

Taunton Soul began their SWKA (South West Korfball Association) campaign in front of a good turnout of spectators in the SCAT sports hall.

Those opening fixtures saw Taunton's 1st team beat Bristol City 23-5, while the 2nds drew 16-16 with Bristol Thunder 3rds in SWKA 2, and the 3rds finished strongly but were unable to overhaul Bristol Thunder 4ths, losing out 16-10.

The victory over Bristol City, an ex-regional team, was an outstanding result – the hosts were full of energy, and Tom Mclaren ended the day with seven goals.

Ben Brain and Rachael Holden played with determination and skill on their 1st team debuts.

The team train on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (8-9.30pm) at SCAT (University Centre Somerset) in the sports hall.

These training sessions are for everyone and all new members are welcome.

For more details, and a fixture list, head to www.tauntonsoul.co.uk.