GALMINGTON side Hovelands took a giant step towards retaining their Somerset League Premier Division title with a crushing victory over close rivals Knights of Glastonbury at Taunton Vale on Saturday.

Both teams had players unavailable for the crucial encounter and both were forced into a further change through injury in the first quarter.

However, Hovelands built a commanding 14-5 lead in that first quarter as Lauren Griffiths, in an unaccustomed position of goal attack, combined superbly with goalshooter Lucy Parsons.

Knights were unable to cope with the two youngsters, both of whom have the potential to succeed at a much higher level, as Hovelands stretched their lead to 31-13 at half-time.

Hovelands then moved 44-22 and dominated the final period to win by 63 goals to 28. It was an outstanding performance which leaves Hovelands as clear favourites to take their third consecutive title.

Parkfield faced the much-improved Babylon of Yeovil and were up against it from the outset as Babylon took the first quarter 13-3. The second quarter followed a similar pattern as Babylon pulled away to lead 26-7. What Parkfield lacked in experience they did not lack in enthusiasm or effort and, although they were defeated 50 goals to 11, they could take many positives from the match.

In Division Two, Queensway met promotion favourites Knaves of Glastonbury and were second best in the initial quarter trailing 14-6. They came back strongly, with Lisa Rooney again impressive in defence, and reduced the arrears to 18-13.

Queensway continued to put Knaves under pressure in the third and were just 25-22 behind going into the last period. However, Knaves quickly increased their lead and held on to win 37 goals to 26.

TAUNTON Vivary suffered a disappointing 41-23 defeat against Jupiter of Bridgwater.

Without shooter Helen Lucas, Vivary were 24-12 down at half-time. Despite the defeat, Vivary’s defence of player-of-the-match Kim Tong, Nicole Smith and Susie Marsh broke down many of Jupiter’s attacking moves.

Tone took on Sydenham-side Gems in a very close contest. The teams were level a 9-9 after the first quarter but Gems edged five ahead by half time.

Tone Defenders Helen Cleverly and Becky Jones were strong in defence but they could not pull back the deficit and lost 38-33. Centre Tina Follett was named player-of-the-match.