GALMINGTON made the trip to Swindon to play Raychem still looking for their first Netball South West Regional League Division One win of the season on Sunday.

But that looked some way off as they made a slow start and trailed 15-10 after the first quarter. Galmington gradually clawed their way back into the match in the next period but were still 27-25 behind at the halfway stage.

Alison Conabeare and Sam Newton were in excellent shooting form for Galmington, combining superbly as the visitors took control of a high-scoring match to lead 41-37 going into the last quarter.

Raychem, to their credit, came back well in the final period but Galmington withstood the intense pressure well as a unit and held on in a nail-biting finish to record a deserved victory by the narrowest of margins 48 goals to 47.

In Division One Trident entertained Team Bath Trojans B at the Vale and were soon three goals adrift before they settled to hold an 11-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.

They extended their advantage to 17-12 at half-time but the Bath outfit managed to stay within striking reach. The match remained in the balance until Alex Ireland, who had a fine match throughout at wing attack, made a series of defence-splitting passes from which goalshooter Lucy Parsons, whose movement in the circle was excellent, took full advantage.

This allowed Trident to open up a commanding 28-16 lead with just one quarter remaining. Although Team Bath scored four quick goals at the start of the final period, Trident took control again to move 35-22 ahead before the visitors finished with another flurry but by then the points were safe with Trident winning by 35-26.

In the Somerset League, Claremont found themselves 9-6 adrift after the first quarter at home to Premier Division rivals Gems of Bridgwater and matters got worse before they got better as Gems held a 19-12 half-time lead.

However, Claremont then produced their best netball of the season and, with both Charlotte Mitchell and Tanya Contreras strong in defence, they came back brilliantly to level the score 25-25 at three-quarter time.

Unfortunately, they could not maintain their momentum at the start of the final quarter as Gems moved ahead again and, despite a late rally, they slipped to a narrow defeat by 33-31.

In Division One, Parkfield’s dismal form continued as Newton of Yeovil opened up a 13-5 first quarter lead. Parkfield were unable to make any impression on the deficit and fell further behind 22-8 at half-time. There was little change in the second half and Newton completed a convincing victory by 42 goals to 18.

Queensway’s excellent recent form in Division Two came to an abrupt halt against Rubies who belied their mid-table position to build an 11-2 first quarter lead which they extended to 19-4 at half-time. However, with Sally Perry (WD) and Kate Alger-Green (C ) showing good form in mid-court, Queensway snatched a deserved bonus point in an evenly- contested second half but were still well beaten by 39 goals to 20.

Newbarn made the better start at home to Garnets in Division Three opening up an 8-2 first quarter lead. With Ellie Roxburgh having a fine match in defence they extended their advantage to 15-4 at half-time. Although Garnets reduced the gap to eight goals in the third quarter, Newbarn, for whom Heather Manning played well in the attacking circle, were always in control and recorded a good win by 32 goals to 20.

PLAYER of the match WD Siobhan Cleverly made a host of interceptions to help Taunton club side Tone record a fine win over Swans of Wells in the Somerset League Premier Division.

Tone started slowly and trailed 13-10 in the first period. The game remained evenly matched and Tone edged their way to the lead 22-20 at half time.

Tone found their form in the third period and opened up the lead 34-30 and continued their good team work and deservedly won 45-38.

Premier side Vivary were overpowered by Knights of Glastonbury and lost 53-41. Knights took the very early lead 13-8 and by half time they led 27-18.

WD Susie Marsh, Vivary’s player of the match, took control of the centre court and after a sudden burst of good play, Vivary trailed by one goal during the third period. It looked like it was going to be a good final period, but Knights kept the pressure and ran out convincing winners.

In Division One, Quantock were outplayed by Dukes of Glastonbury and lost 51-16. Centre Dawn Bissell was voted player of the match, while WD Holly Barr put in a good performance.