Monmouth 31, Parkfield 40

SATURDAY brought a top-of-the-table derby clash between Taunton Monmouth and Galmington Parkfield.

When the two teams met earlier in the season, Monmouth took the win in a closely-fought battle, so it was evident that the return game would be exciting with such evenly matched teams.

The first quarter saw Parkfield take a two-goal lead, demonstrating great depth in attack against a strong defensive unit.

Moving into the second quarter, Parkfield were able to take control and create a number of turnovers with a new defensive grouping who worked tirelessly to create pressure on every ball.

This hard work and determination resulted in a half-time lead of 24-12 for the Galmington team.

Parkfield went on to extend their lead to 16 goals at the end of the third quarter, with great communication and consistent shooting.

The fourth quarter saw Monmouth dominate play, closing the gap significantly, but Parkfield maintained composure and held on to win.

Player of the match: Abbie Barker, opposition’s POM: Lilly Perren

Elsewhere at the weekend, Galmington Trident beat Taunton Vivary 70-43 in the Regional League, while Galmington were edged out 52-46 by Exeter B and Hovelands saw off Sydenham Gems 59-52.

In the Somerset League, Claremont defeated Bridgwater Saturn 57-50, Highfield lost 53-33 against Thorns, Queensway beat Chalice 48-28, Comeytrowe were 57-23 winners over Bridgwater Venus, Newbarn saw off Taunton Blackdown 42-30, and Manor were defeated 38-27 against Pilgrims.

As for Taunton NC’s other teams, Priory overcame Sydenham Rubies 55-40, Quantock lost 52-34 against Bridgwater Neptune, and Tone missed out against CCNC, 50-30.