Saturn 38, Swans 35

SATURN started the season with a hard-fought three-point win over Swans.

At a new venue and with a new line up, Saturn were excited to open BNC's season with the first league match against Swans of Wells.

The play in the first quarter was a little erratic and as the whistle blew Swans were leading 9-8.

The second quarter saw Swans capitalise on some of Saturn's mistakes and despite great play, as the half time whistle blew, Saturn were trailing 18-22.

Following a constructive half time talk, Saturn came out with a renewed energy. Excellent defence from Rach Simpson (WD), Emma Cocks (GD) and player of the match Imma Matcham (GD) enabled Saturn to enter the final quarter with a one goal lead.

The last fifteen minutes saw some superb interceptions by Michelle Stone (C) and Karis Holleron (WA) which enabled shooters Becky Palmer (GA) and Sarah Perry (GS) to increase Saturn's lead.

Neptune 34, Bishops 26

NEPTUNE put in a strong team performance to beat Bishops by eight points on Saturday.

With great feeding into the circle by Hazel Hucker (WA) and great movement in the attacking circle by Morgan Dunn (GA) Neptune managed to end the first quarter leading 7-6.

The second quarter, saw a change in the shooting combo with Paige Langdon (GS) and Kayl Haste (GA), who with accurate shooting and position raised their game.

Continual marking and constant support by Christine Durant (C) up the court restricted the opposition to only five goals, Neptune finished the second quarter leading 16-11.

The third quarter saw some great defending down the court by (WD) Saskia Middleton and the tight team work in the circle by Julie McClean (GD) and Sally Haysham (GK) meant they rarely allowed the other team to score.

Another change saw Player of the match Bex Dunn move from (WD) to (WA) who showed her versatility and fed the shooters with great accuracy ending the third quarter 23-15.

Neptune's final quarter saw them work hard as a team which enabled them to extend their lead.

Mercury 24, Canons 26

THE ever youthful Elaine Bartlett led her young and enthusiastic Mercury side back to the Netball court on a warm, late Summer afternoon, to play Canons from Wells – but the afternoon ended in a narrow defeat.

Over the whole match the defence was outstanding as Hana Middleton, Emily Harwood, Laura Gibson and Mary King alternated their positions and set the Canons attack many problems.

In each quarter Mercury played with high energy, consistent pressuring forcing the opposition into mistakes and therefore keeping the match tight.

When the ball was regained, Elaine Bartlett, ably assisted by Lucy Kyte, and Amy Knight drove the ball down the court to the debut shooters Juste Mockeliunaite and Darcie Dunn, who grew in confidence as the game progressed.

By the end of third quarter the scores were level with the lead changing hands in final quarter and eventually Cannons coming out on top.