Sydenham Gems 39, Sharks 26

GEMS booked their place in the semi-finals of the Knockout Cup with a convincing victory over Sharks.

It took both teams a while to settle into the first quarter – Gems’ defence put their opponents under a lot of pressure and picked up lots of interceptions and rebounds.

Gems’ shooters capitalised when they had possession and took the lead 8-4 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was much the same for Gems, with the whole team working had to turn over balls and work it down to the attacking players and they pulled further ahead to lead 17-10 by half-time.

Sharks picked up their game in the third quarter and started scoring more when in possession but Gems worked hard to ensure the gap was not reduced and were 25-18 ahead going into the final quarter.

It was a real team effort which allowed Gems to pull away in the final quarter and move through to the semi-final of the cup competition.

Both team and umpire player of the match went to GD Beth Fella.

Gems are sponsored by Countrywide Windows.

Sydenham Netball Club is sponsored by 1610.

Bridgwater Venus 36, Vipers 55

A DISASTROUS first quarter was Venus’ undoing in this cup match against Paulton’s experienced second team.

The team were slow out of the blocks and early errors were capitalised on by the visitors.

In a much-improved second quarter, the home side matched Vipers goal for goal.

Goal Attack Hannah Setter eased into her usual fluid movement in the circle and created openings for centre, Olivia Shorthouse and Chris Shaw (WA) to feed the ball into her.

Precision shooting helped to steady the team while tighter marking from Lucy Brown (GK) and Saskia Middleton (GD), slowed down Vipers’ rush of goals.

Venus maintained momentum in the third quarter, a tireless performance from Shorthouse driving the attack, supported by dynamic drives from Emily Rossiter (WD).

Goal Shoot Darcie Dunn took full advantage of her reach to collect the ball in the circle and continue the team’s steady scoring.

Although Venus continued to challenge in the final quarter, the Vipers’ goal shoot wasn’t to be denied, completing an outstanding display of quality shooting to knock Venus out of the cup.

Olivia Shorthouse was voted player of the match and Lucy Brown was given the opposition’s vote.

Match sponsor was H. Biffen & Sons Ltd.