The Boston Netball League is still short of players and anyone interested (even if you are rusty) is welcome to come and watch on a Thursday night from 7pm to 9pm at Kirton Middlecott Leisure Centre. Contact Gillian at gillian.reece@tesco.net or on 07845 9317700. We look forward to seeing you.

For week ending March 23

The last fixtures of the league will decide the destiny of the season’s trophies for next Friday’s presentation night. Full league results and trophy winners will be detailed next week

Latest match action has included the following fixtures:

Gems I 12 (players’ player, Gez Chase)

Gems II 4 (players’ player, Emma Larkin

Gems II started with six players and although it was an A v B game. The competitiveness was apparent from the beginning. Gems I’s shooting was on form with Gez Chase and Ellen McGarrel beginning to really come together and predict each other’s play. Emma Larkin from Gems II did a grand job, however, of trying to keep them at bay with some excellent defending. Gems I predictably took the win but Gems II did not give the game away.

Boston A 13 (players’ player, Vicky Odlin)

D Birds 4 (players’ player, Marie Pratt)

The first half saw excellent defence and marking from both sides and the score was only being 3-2 to Boston at the interval. The second half saw a team change from Boston, giving them a bit more attacking height in the guise of Lynne Evans and they made use of it, making the goals count and picking up the pace. D Birds tried hard to hang on, but Boston just proved too strong.

Boston A 16 (players’ player, Lynne Evans)

Gems II 8 (players’ player, Sadie James)

Everyone on court worked hard, providing a fairly even first half. The ball travelled up and down the court regularly but the excellent defence at both ends kept the scores down. Good umpiring from Ellen McGarrel meant the game was tight and fair. The second half continued with much of the same pattern but Boston converted the goals more and intercepted Gems centre passes. An enjoyable game to watch and support.

Sparks A 22

BHS U17s 16 (players’ player, Sophie Keogh)

Both teams started well and the ball moved from end to end nicely. Despite Katie Fairweather intercepting some good balls, Sparks were stronger and pulled away. The second half saw some lovely shooting from Danni Frankish and Val Morey and a faster pace to the game.

Spalding Sparks B 7 (players’ player, Louise Bryan)

TAZ 11 (players’ player, Louise Brader)

A good game with some nice attacking from both teams. TAZ were too strong for Sparks and pulled ahead to take the win.

Other scores:

Shooting Stars 10, BHS U15s 3 (players’ players, Vikki Kemp, Jess Holland)

Spalding Sparks B 17, BHS U16s (players’ player, Danni Stanberry)

TAZ 27, U16s 12 (players’ players, Mandy Stocks, Jess Holland)

Black Bullettes 22, BHS U17s 7

For week ending March 16

Black Bullettes 16 (players’ player, Claire Kitchen)

Spalding Sparks A 15 (players’ player, Natalie Turner)

A quick start to the game with both teams scoring well and defending fiercely. The game progressed evenly and Sparks pulled away by two goals by the end of the first half. The second half saw a scrappier game with both teams frantically trying to achieve a win. The Bullettes, however, rose to the challenge with good centre court play and excellent shooting from Laura Kitchen and Sam Sillett. The Bullettes finally drew ahead despite good defending from Sparks and took the win by one goal.

Shooting Stars 14 (players’ player, Louise Gibbons)

BHS U16s 12 (players’ player, Jenni Booth)

A close match nearly all the way for the two teams from school. Both teams played well with few mistakes. But each picked up quickly on the few slight lapses that arrived. Accurate shooting from both sides yielded a “one-for-one” game for the first half. Teacher Nic Brennan joined the side line after half time and provided support and encouragement for both sides. U16s had an unfortunate injury and substitutions were made. Stars managed to pull away for the win. A great game to watch from the younger teams in the league. Both sides showed good skills, competitiveness and fair play.

Spalding Sparks A 14 (players’ player, Emma Hibbins)

Gems II 11 (players’ player, Jess West)

This was another close game, once again showing the competitiveness of the first league along with good playing skills. Both teams defended and attacked well with Sparks having the lead going into the second half. Gems tried hard to keep Sparks in their sights and not let them run away too far away with the lead. The second half saw Gems scoring five goals to Sparks’ four, therefore narrowing the lead by one goal. Unfortunately time did not allow them to gain any more and Sparks took a deserved win.

Gems I 10 (players’ player, Caroline Nixon)

D Birds 6 (players’ player, Marie Pratt)

D Birds made a flying start and took the lead but Gems’ accurate shooting soon brought things back level. The end of the first half saw Gems just one goal in front. The second half saw both teams scrapping for the ball with passing being a bit sloppy on both sides in the centre court. Gems’ precision in the circle gave them the edge and the win.

Bridge View Flyers A 26 (players’ player, Steph)

BHS U15s 9 (players’ player, Danni Holland)

Flyers gave the U15s a good game, but their experience and team work meant they dominated play. U15s gave a good account of themselves but it was not enough to hold off the Flyers. It was a very friendly match and all credit goes to the young players for keeping up a fight and showing maturity in their loss.

Other scores:

Spalding Sparks 18, BHS U15s 6 (players’ player, Katie Baxter).

Boston A 24, BHS U17s 17 (players’ players, Catherine Lister, Lauren West).

Shooting Stars 21, Bridge View Flyers B 0.

TAZ 24, Bridge View Flyers B 4 (players’ players, Louise Brader, Bev Emanuell).

For week ending March 9

Scores for March 6:

Gems 1 12, Black Bullettes 10 (players’ players, Laura Kitchen, Rachel Smith)

Spalding Sparks B 19, Bridge Fiew Flyers 2 (players’ players, Natt Pitt, Sarah Mayes)

BHS U17s 21, D Birds 11 (players’ players, Toni Pratt, Laura Burton)

TAZ 7, Shooting Stars 5 (players’ players, Heidi Warff, Lauren West)

Boston A 17, Spalding Sparks A 15

Bridge View Flyers A 14. Shooting Stars 11 (players’ players, Sarah Dyche)

Gems 2 12, D Birds 7 (players’ players, Bridie Middleton, Marie Pratt)

BHS U16 19, BHS U15s 7

Boston A 13, Gems I 8

BHS U15s 16, Bridge View Flyers B 3 (players’ players, Penny Martin, Ashleigh Frankish)

For week ending March 2

The Boston Netball League has now lost two teams due to a lack of players — Donington, who have been in the league for many years and Boston B, a relatively new team. As such, league officials have again appealed to girls and ladies interested in netball young and old, experienced or not to come forward and swell the competition’s ranks. Officials say the forthcoming summer league will be an ideal time to come and see how things operate and enter a team or come as an individuals to join an existing team. The summer charity tournament will also be held giving everyone an opportunity to play with league players and rekindle the love for their favourite game. Thursday night from 7pm to 9pm at Kirton Middlecott Leisure Centre. Contact Gillian at gillian.reece@tesco.net or on 07845 9317700.

The next round of winter league action sees TAZ moving down to League Two and BHS U17s moving up to League One. Bridge View Flyers A were denied their promotion to League One due to Boston B dropping out. Games have been shortened to 40 minutes giving less time for teams to score, so accuracy and good quality of play are essential now to win.

Gems II 12 (players’ player, Emma Larkin)

BHS U17s 11 (players’ player, Toni Pratt)

The first quarter of the game was shortened due to a fixture mix-up but both teams on court doing their best. BHS Lauren Brittain making some good interceptions and good diagonal play down the court from Gems II meaning shooters having good opportunities. Gems’ Sadie James and Jess West made the most of it by scoring well and gaining Gems the lead. In the third quarter, U17s’ Steph Rance gave great support but Gems remained in the lead. The last quarter saw both teams’ defence on high and a fast pace as there was only one goal in it but Gems took the win. An enjoyable game.

BHS U15s 16 (players’ player, Ashleigh Frankish)

Bridge View Flyers B 3 (players’ player, Penny Martin)

U15s played a good consistent game and kept pressure on. Bridge View Flyers defence worked really hard and managed to make the U15s’ attack work hard. Flyers’ attack had opportunities but didn’t convert them into goals. However, they showed an improvement in team play. A good game from both teams and a deserved win for BHS.

Bridge View Flyers A 14

Shooting Stars 11 (players’ player, Sarah Dyche)

A hard fought game from both teams. Flyers kept a close defence in the first half, keeping Stars’ attack working hard. Stars, however, took full advantage of inaccurate passing from Flyers. All four shooters were on great form and used every opportunity to score. The score was one for one in the first half but Flyers managed to pull away just before the whistle. The second half was higher scoring but Flyers continued to pull away. Shooting stars played well but were not quite able to keep Flyers at bay. A close game with plenty of friendly competition.

Other scores:

TAZ 17, BHS U16s 7 (players’ players, Ellouise “Egg” Middleton)

Black Bullettes 6, Boston A 12 (players’ players, Claire Kitchen, Hayley Pycock)

Gems II 12, BHS U17s 11 (players’ players, Emma Larkin, Toni Pratt)

Shooting Stars 11, Spalding Sparks B 8

BHS U16s 8, Bridge View Flyers 15 (players’ players, Jess Wilkinson)

Black Bullettes 17, D Birds 8 (players’ players, Donna Holstead)

Bridge View Flyers A 21, Bridge View Flyers B 3 (players’ players, Jane Hudson, Amy Taylor)

Gems I 11, Spalding Sparks A 11

BHS U15s 16, Bridge View Flyers B 3 (players’ players, Penny Martin, Ashleigh Frankish)

For week ending February 8

Bridge View Flyers 23 (players’ player, Karen Johnson GS)

BHS U16 12 (players’ player, Elouise “Egg” Middleton WA)

Flyers needed to win this game in order to secure a move into league 1 next round. BHS, not far behind in the table, had it all to play for also. The teams have met before and the scores are usually close. Both teams started strongly but Flyers soon took a small lead. Flyers showing good team-work and accuracy. Some big throws from Debbie Winrow and Jane Hudson found the spot, enabling the accuracy of Karen Johnson to convert the goals. Ness Droy with some fine interceptions. BHS with some lovely working round from “Egg”, Lauren Rigby and Rachel Upsall to get past the Flyers’ defence allowing Chloe Skerritt to score. With plenty of adrenaline, the competition was fierce and Jenni Booth took an accidental ball in the face and had to be substituted.

Gems I 18 (players’ player, Rachel James C)

Gems II 8

A friendly and good-humoured game from the two sister teams which showed in the half time score of 6-3 to Gems I. Gems I pulled it together, however, after half-time and scored some good goals giving them the win.

Spalding Sparks A 46

D Birds 14 (players’ player, Angela Rawlinson WD)

The first quarter saw Sparks with a three-goal lead despite D Birds playing well. The game continued with Sparks showing good form and consistency to keep expanding the lead. D Birds played really well and fought hard with accurate shooting but they just couldn’t catch the Sparks.

Spalding Sparks B 32 (players’ player, Kat Brabrook)

Bridge View Flyers B 2 (players’ player, Nat Pitt C)

Sparks showed good form and led in the first quarter by eight goals preventing Flyers from scoring. The second quarter saw an injury to Amy Taylor who was substituted but Sparks gained a lead of 19 goals and Flyers were still to score. Team changes for Flyers at half-time gave them a boost and they slowed the Sparks down to scoring four goals and they scored two themselves. Sparks were working really well, assisted by excellent shooting from Danni Stanbury. Flyers’ shooter Anne Gathercote struggled to get past the skills of keeper Sivine Glass. The final quarter saw Flyers still keeping the Sparks from scoring too many, but were still unable to score themselves. Sparks worked well as a team and improving their performance each week.

Boston A 42

Taz 8

A good game despite it being hot inside the sports hall and the floor being a bit slippery. Boston had a good lead by half-time and decided to have a team change. This caused their game to become a bit confused but they still worked well and took the win.

For week ending February 1

Black Bullettes 15 (players’ player, Claire Kitchen)

Gems II 14 (players’ player, Natalie Grimer)

The Black Bulletes have landed a one-two “double” and beaten Gems I and Gems II in this round of fixtures. The evening was cold but the game got off to a good start with both teams eager to keep warm. There was excellent play from both sides with the ball going end to end. The Bullettes’ Laura Kitchen scored some excellent goals, although Natalie Grimer did an outstanding job in defence by intercepting and deflecting some cracking balls. The final score showed how close the game was with quarter scores only being one apart as well. This was a good competitive and fair game to watch.

TAZ 15 (players’ player, Vicky Cooper GD)

D Birds 14 (players’ player, Rebecca Hartshorn GS)

TAZ started out with only six players and played strongly to keep up with D Birds with the scores after the first quarter being level. TAZ gained the advantage of a two-goal lead by half-time but the game was competitive and close. The third quarter saw a turn with TAZ scoring only two goals while D Birds bagged five 5 which brought the score back level with one quarter to go. Both teams worked really hard and goals were not plentiful, but the edge was with TAZ taking a one-goal win.

Gems I 16

Spalding Sparks A 14 (players’ player, Seviwe Glass)

A very hard fought game between two highly competitive teams. Both teams showed consistent shooting and defending, resulting in the close score.

BHS U16s 24 (Cheerleader, Emily Brader)

Spalding Sparks B 8

A strong start by BHS with accurate shooting gave them a seven-goal lead after the first quarter. A good consistent game from BHS with a good end result for all their hard work.

BHS U17s 19 (players’ player, Danni Frankish)

Bridge View Flyers B 14 (players’ player, Jane Hudson)

The game started well for both teams. Flyers were one player down due to illness and had to borrow the A team’s Jane Hudson. BHS’s Danni Frankish and Sarah Clarke were shooting well and gained their team a three-goal advantage over Flyers. Second half was very similar in play and the BHS defence of Steph Rance and Lauren Brittain worked hard against the Flyers’ experienced shooter Jane. The school gained another goal advantage. Flyers changed players and moved the height of Penny Martin to the shooting circle and replaced Jane Hudson with Karen Johnson. The third quarter did not improve for the Flyers as the Schools’ centre court of Toni Pratt and Katie Fairweather still intercepted passes. The last quarter, however, saw Flyers finally finding the team spirit and getting it together to score six goals to Schools’ three. It was too late, though, but a good effort. Another spirited but friendly competitive game between these two teams.

For week ending January 18

The bad weather led to four matches in the latest action programme being called off — again due to the amount of water standing on the courts. The rain had not let up all day and although it was not particularly cold, the officials decided that only the two indoor games should be played due to safety issues outside.

Spalding Sparks A 28

TAZ 10 (players’ player, Emily Dix)

Sparks are beginning to hitsome good form again. TAZ started strongly and the first quarter saw only one goal in it. Sparks, however, managed to penetrate the TAZ defence and their shooters were almost unable to miss, giving them an eight-goal lead going into the third quarter. TAZ came back by defending well and both sides scored only four goals each in the third quarter. Sparks then pulled away and kept fighting to score 11 goals to TAZ’s one as the former grabbed a decisive win.

Bridge View Flyers A 37 (players’ player, Karen Johnson)

BHS U15s 27 (players’ player, Amy Harrison)

It was the first match after Christmas for both of these teams. Flyers set off well with a six-goal lead after the first quarter. The U15s worked hard and intercepted well, but the teamwork of the Flyers gave them the edge. The second quarter, however, saw Flyers move the team round and they seemed incapable of converting a centre pass into a goal, giving the U15s opportunity to score 10 goals to Flyers’ nine, thus making the gap just five goals. Flyers picked up the pace in the third quarter when trying to build the lead knowing that they usually slow down in the last quarter. The energy of the youngsters simply surpassed that of the Flyers in the last quarters. School were still working hard but both teams suffered from a bout of contact with the umpires struggling to work out who to penalise. School’s Charlotte Manson played on despite a knock to the head. Both teams knew that it still could have been a close match. Flyers, however, managed to pull it out of the bag and scored 12 goals to School’s six giving them a lead of 12 going into the last quarter. The atmosphere in the last quarter was good as both teams worked hard with School narrowing the gap by two goals at one stage as Flyers’ passes and marking became sloppy. A good friendly but competitive game all-round.

For week ending January 11

NEW PLAYERS IN DEMAND

Any prospective players interested in joining the Boston Netball League fray are asked to contact competition officials. There is no any experience necessary (most current players had a break after school then came back after a few years) and rust rubs off quite quickly. If you are on your own or there are a few of you wanting to attend together, it does not matter. We have some teams short of an odd player and there is always room for a new team. Please contact Gillian at gillian.reece@tesco.net or by calling her on 07845 9317700

The last matches before the holidays were called off due to bad weather. This made the Christmas break extra long and everyone was itching to get back. Luckily the weather was good to us this week and conditions better than before the break.

BHS U17s 15

BHS U16s 11 (players’ player, Emily Brader)

The game started at a quick pace with both teams playing well. Excellent shooting from Tash Todd and Danni Frankish meant the U17s pulled away with a six-goal lead. In the third quarter Toni Pratt moved into the U17s defence providing an excellent contribution. The U16s continued to fight hard to gain the advantage but the U17s defence of Lauren Rigby and Sophie Keogh proved too good. The U17s did, however, lose some control towards the end but managed to hold the lead.

BHS Shooting Stars 12 (players’ player, Sarah Dyche)

Spalding Sparks 10 (players’ player, Lauren Wetherill)

BHS Stars dominated the match from the beginning. Starting with only six players, they built a small but early lead. They managed to hold on to this lead largely due to the accurate and efficient shooting of Louise Gibbons and Vicky Kemp. The good work of centre Lauren West and the wings was shown in the shooting opportunities. Superb defending from Sarah Dyche and Jessica Brader also helped the centre and wings with the feeding. Sparks were worthy opponents but the long break and maybe too many Christmas chocolates took their toll on the team’s usual performance.

Boston B 13 (players’ player, Sophie Grayson)

Bridge View Flyers B 12 (players’ player, Amy Taylor)

Boston were a player down which should have given the Flyers the edge. Boston, however, showed some strong play and their shooting was accurate. Flyers defence working hard and Boston’s Sophie Grayson proving hard to mark. Flyers working hard but their teamwork struggling to hold after the long break. Flyers shooter Amy Taylor struggling to get past the height of Boston’s keeper. The goals were one each throughout the whole game and neither team really having a good lead. However, a superb game from Boston’s six players.

D Birds 14

Gems II 13 (players’ player, Emma Larkin)

This match between both newly promoted teams was always going to be close. It was goal for goal throughout the match. The effect of the Christmas break again showed its ugly head by some unusual sloppy play creeping in on both sides. Overall a close well-fought game from two teams who are fighting not to be demoted next round.

For week ending December 7

In the latest action programme, it was a hard night all round for everyone. The weather was not good with the rain impairing vision and making the ground slippery as well as taking virtually every bounce out of the ball. The wind strong and gusty giving long loopy passes minds of their own. With all team captains giving strict instructions for players to watch their feet, keep passes short, sharp and safe there was some good play to come. The shooters had a hard job as they tried and find the net in the wind and the gusts meant the three-second rule caused problems as they couldn’t wait for the wind to die down before taking a shot. Despite the bad weather some cracking games were played but there were a few injuries too. The two indoor games played showed a high goal scoring ratio and proved the real impact of the weather for those outside.

Black Bullettes 35

TAZ 14 (players’ player, Hannah Coates)

A good start to the game for both teams led to an even first quarter. The ball went from end to end and goals came regularly from TAZ and Bullettes. The second quarter saw a change and the Bullettes managed to pull away with accurate passing and interceptions. The third quarter saw TAZ making a comeback in the goals stakes and they scored well. But Bullettes simply added even more goals to their score, too. TAZ scored one in the last quarter to Bullettes’ eight, giving the Bullettes the points win. The umpiring was undertaken by Michelle Nixon (Gems I) and Natalie Grimer (Shooting Stars).

Boston A 15

Spalding Sparks A 10 (players’ player, Caroline Russon)

Both teams started strongly with Sparks taking the lead in the first quarter. Boston soon settled into their routine and got it together to fight back against their well-organised and energetic opponents. The Sparks’ centre court play was really good and the ball went into the circle well. But the shooters struggled to convert opportunities into goals. A nice match with excellent umpiring by Nic Brennan (Gems I) and Sarah Dyche (Shooting Stars).

Donington 15 (players’ player, Zoe WD)

Gems II 8 (players’ player, Bridie Middleton WD)

Gems II were the under dogs in this encounter, having only just moved up to the first league. The Dons, a well-established and experienced team, showed good form but Gems II gave a good account of themselves scored well.

Spalding Sparks B 27 (players’ player, Sarah Meyes)

BHS U15s 18 (players’ player, GS)

BHS put out a strong team and scored consistently each quarter. BHS struggled against the tactics and force of Sparks’ game. Sparks played really well and held off BHS each quarter. There was excellent shooting from both GS and GA and their team work flowed well through centre court with the good feeds into the circle.

BHS U16s 18 (players’ player, Rachel Upsall)

Bridge View Flyers B 5 (players’ player, Penny GS/GK)

A slow first half with a score of 3-2 to School. Flyers worked really hard and some of their form started to show after spells of hard work and lots of shouting and encouragement from the ever-present A team on the sidelines. The third quarter saw BHS picking up their defensive work and really got together in the circle, giving them an 11-3 lead. The last quarter saw Flyers’ Zoe Waters limp off with an ankle injury and a sub brought on. The BHS girls were not fazed and kept going giving to earn a good win. Umpires were Stacey Worth (Gems I) and a Shooting Stars umpire.

BHS U16s 19 (players’ player, Tash Todd GS)

Bridge View Flyers A 12 (players’ player, Jess Wilkinson GD)

A good game with a friendly but competitive edge. Lots of shouting and encouragement came from both sides. The first quarter saw School lead 4-2 but Flyers worked well to give their shooters some opportunities. BHS’ “two Tonis” did a good job in keeping Flyers’ Jane Hudson and Karen Johnson far enough away from the post for scoring to be difficult. At the other end Danni Frankish used all her agility and speed to run rings round Debbie Winrow. Jess Wilkinson did a good job of keeping Tash Todd away from the post. The second quarter saw the scores at 9-6 with Flyers really working well both ends against the organised BHS. Flyers managed to close the gap by one goal in the third quarter with a score of 11-9. The last quarter saw BHS really picking up the pace with Tash Todd suddenly finding the goal from all parts of the court despite the wind. The match was umpired by Gems I and Shooting Stars officials.

For week ending November 30

League One

Bridge View Flyers A 22 (players’ player, Ness Droy)

Bridge View Flyers B 14 (players’ player, Zoe Waters)

The first quarter saw Flyers A setting off to a good start leading by eight withers B yet to score. Flyers B shooter Penny Waters finding her eye and scoring a good six in the second quarter to the A teams five. Flyers B continuing to fight hard and show some good form and potential for a new team. The third quarter saw Anne Gatercole shooting for B but Flyers A scoring four goals to the B’s three. The B team really made the A team work hard to keep it. Interesting team changes from the A team in the last quarter left Jane Hudson the usual shooter in centre and Ness Droy and Debbie Winrow (centre court players) being given the opportunity to shoot! Karen Johnson the other shooter an interesting goal defence, Elaine Roberts as goalkeeper watching the proceedings with interest. Jenny Brieley kept hold of her position tightly. The B team kept the pressure up and worked well despite a surprising five goals being scored by the A team. A very sporting and friendly match, but competitive nonetheless from both teams and well umpired by Jess Clayton (Bullettes) and Louise Bryan (Sparks).

Shooting Stars 15

BHS under 16s 11 (players’ player, Jenni Booth)

With the Stars down a player, they had to fight to keep up and defended well with one down. The U16s’ attack was strong but stars led by four goals after the first quarter. The stars fought hard but the U16s did well and matched the goalscoring over the last three quarters. Stars won by their original lead of four goals.

BHS U17s 37

Boston B 4

BHS took an early lead with the excellent standard of shooting by Danni and Natasha and the equally effective defence working well. Boston B, playing one short, left Schools’ Val Morrey free to defend the shooters from Boston B making their jobs really hard. School kept the pressure with Sophie Keogh and Steph Rance defending well and Schools’ centre Katie Faiweather keeping composed despite the lead. Sarah Clark as WA made vital feeds to the circle, giving the school the edge. Boston B simply struggled with players short.

Boston A 28

D Birds 8

A competitive game with good attacking play from both sides. The first quarter saw Boston take the lead even with one player down. The second quarter saw D Birds scoring well but Boston still had the edge. Laura Burton played well in the centre for D Birds but the shooting ability and height of Boston’s Hayley Pycock and Lynne Evans were hard to get past. D Birds were given compliments from Boston for simply not giving up. The game was unfortunately cut short due to a nasty injury to Boston’s Vicky Odlin.

Spalding Sparks A 16 (players’ player, Lisa Broderick)

Gems II 7 (players’ player, Katie Brooks)

Play started evenly with first quarter scores being 3-3. The second quarter saw Spalding pull away. Both teams had equal possession but Sparks managed to convert opportunities into goals. The third quarter saw Sparks furthering their lead with Gems unable to score at all. Gems fought back in the last quarter scoring two goals to Sparks’ three.

For week ending November 23

League One

Black Bullettes 33 (players’ player, Laura Kitchen)

D Birds 10

This was the first game for D Birds after moving up to League One. And it wasn’t an ideal night with cold wind and rain and a slippy playing surface causing both teams to be a bit unsteady on their feet. Laura Kitchen and Sam Sillett showed their shooting skills to pull the Bullettes ahead in the first quarter. The rain continued and the court surface caused contact problems between players. D Birds tried hard but struggled. The Bullettes continued to pull ahead consistently, making the gap in score bigger. D Birds, however, managed to steal a few goals, proving they are not giving in easily.

TAZ 25

Donington 11 (players’ player, Laura Paton)

Donington struggled to get players for this match. And after a 10-minute delay (conceding 10 goals as a forfeit to TAZ as per rule), the game got under way. Play started in the second quarter and TAZ played well to take the game from Donington

Gems I 18 (players’ player, Laura McCray)

Boston A 17 (players’ player, Vicky Odlin)

Boston A did not have a good night with a shortage of players delaying the start and then a shortage of bibs delaying it further. The first quarter was over in four minutes due to all the problems. Gems sportingly did not claiming the 10-goal penalty to which the rules entitled them. Score after first four minutes was 1-1. The second quarter saw Boston take a six-goal lead, which they carried through to the third quarter. twout Gems narrowed it to two goals. Gems’ excellent defence of Rachel James and B team player Caroline Nixon slowed down Boston’s Hayley Pycock. Gems’ attack allowed Natalie Grimer and Geraldine Chase to pop the goals in. Despite the Boston defence doing a good job, the Gems were on a roll and won by the slender margin of one goal.

League Two

Spalding Sparks B 28

Boston B 9

Boston took the court with only five players and their defence worked hard and intercepted loopy passes from Spalding Sparks. Sparks took advantage and made use of their two extra players and moved the ball down the court giving the shooters plenty of opportunities. Excellent shooting from Sarah and Danni (making a comeback from injury) proved a highlight. Sparks’ defence did well, too, on interceptions.

BHS U17s 20

Shooting Stars 0

Shooting Stars were unable to provide a team and so conceded the game.

BHS U16 25

BHS U15 2

The U15s were at a disadvantage with just five players due to an open night at Boston Grammar School for potential sixth form pupils. This meant the U16s had a run-away win. Watch the re-match, though. The youngsters won’t be such a pushover next time.

For week ending November 16

Only one game was played this week as the match between TAZ and Boston A was called off

League Two

Gems II 22 (players’ player, Sadie James GA)

D Birds 16 (players’ player, Marie Pratt GD)

Both teams started very well with a close score at the end of the first quarter of 5-3 to Gems. The second quarter saw more good defence and attacking play with a score of 9-8 to Gems at half-time. The third quarter saw a change with accurate shooting from Gems’ Sadie James and Jess West and a few long balls from the D Birds attack letting them down. Emma Larkin and Bridie Middleton, in the Gems defence, took full advantage of this. The third quarter saw a score of 18-10 to Gems who then brought on Michelle Nixon as sub and upped the pace with fresh legs. Gems continued to lead and pressed on. But D Birds made a good effort with six goals to Gems’ eight in the last quarter. But the original gap was too big to close.

It’s all change in the league for the next set of fixtures. Gems II and D Birds’ hard work is rewarded with a move up to League One. BHS Shooting Stars and the U17s move down. But watch this space as you will find the BHS girls, led by the drive and encouragement of Nic Brennan, won’t give in easily and will be fighting hard for the places this round.

For week ending November 9

It is nearly the time for teams to move up and down the different divisions and points are there for the taking. Next week will see who is on the move and who needs to work harder for places in the league table.

League One

D Birds 36 (players’ player, Marie Pratt GD)

Spalding Sparks 21 (players’ player, Louise Bryan GS/GK)

Sparks set off to a good start but D Birds soon caught up and dominated the second quarter with spot-on shooting from Rebecca Hartshorn and Nicola Burdall. Karla Bristow (WA) feeding good passes into the circle while the defence the other end working hard to secure let lead. The third quarter saw Sparks making a run and fighting back with Brenda Nene shooting accurately. Both teams tired due to a fast game but the attack of D Birds Laura Burton and Donna Holstead still pushing for attack. A good game from both sides.

League Two

Gems II 13

BHS U15s 9 (players’ player, Charlotte Manson)

Two equally matched teams both having to work and play hard to secure the goals. The scores were level going into the last quarter. Gems just had the edge on the youngsters to secure a win. A BHS spokesperson quoted: “Gems had a lucky escape this time.” The BHS girls are not giving in easily and continue to show the competitive but fun side of the league.

Black Bullettes 25

Spalding Sparks A 21

Both sides got off to an even game and both played well. The tempo picked up in the second quarter to see the Bullettes driving ahead with a seven-goal lead. The wind picked up, making big passing hard and both teams having to change play to compensate. Short sharp passed from but a disallowed goal from the Bullettes Sam Sillett did not dampen the enthusiasm from either side. The last quarter saw the Sparks making a big push and the Bullettes getting tired giving them a final goal difference of just four goals. A cracking game from both sides and tense to watch.

Boston A 30

Donington 16 (players’ player, Anna Hodgson GS)

Donington started one player down and Boston used the advantage well with great attacking play and took the lead, despite Donington defence playing well. The second quarter saw Boston pull ahead further but good shooting from the edge of the circle from Donington’s Anna Hodgson meant every scoring opportunity was gained and won. Boston dominated play with Donington scoring well but the gap was too much to fill.

For week ending November 2

League One

BHS U17 24

Spalding Sparks A 15

After a mix-up with teams that was soon sorted, the BHS girls made an astounding start by shocking the Sparks. BHS newcomer Sally Brader had an excellent game while Katie Fairweather and Danni Frankish showed their experience in the young team. After the first quarter, both sides had to work hard with BHS coming out on top. Centre court play was good from both sides with the BHS defence of Steph Rance and Sophie Keogh giving their best performance all season. The accuracy of Tony Pratt helped to move the school along and the team spirit and gusto of Val Morley and Lauren Britain ensured they had a win. The U17s certainly proved they are can force to be reckoned with in the top league.

League Two

Gems II 23 (players’ player, Emma Larkin GD/GK)

Bridge View Flyers 18 (players’ player, Nessa Droy C)

A great game to watch with good play and sportsmanship from both sides. The first quarter saw the teams battling hard with the Flyers’ Karen Johnson’s excellent shooting skills put to the test against the superb defence of Gems Emma Larkin and Michelle Nixon. The second quarter was fairly even with Gems’ Sadie James shooting well with back up from Jess West. Flyers took a turn in the third quarter and made a few mistakes in defence, giving Gems a good lead of seven goals. The last quarter saw Flyers’ GA Jane Hudson finding the goal from the edge of the circle showing her experience. A change was forced in defence for the Flyers due to Jenny Briley WD being injured and Debbie Winrow moving to GK. And a burst from the attack saw Flyers gain two goals back from Gems but it was just too late.

Boston B 17

Bridge View Flyers B 4

Another crashing defeat for the battling Flyers B team. Boston B playing well together with some new players from their last game against the Flyers B. Boston B were fluid in the circle with accurate shooting. This meant they made good use of every opportunity. Flyers struggled to find the great form and togetherness they had against D Birds. Flyers’ defence of Anne Gathercole, Bev Emanuel and Zoe Waters struggled to keep the Boston attack at bay with their sharp accurate play. Flyers’ shooters struggled to find the goal despite good opportunities from the attack.

For week ending October 26

League One

Gems I 45

Shooting Stars 3

Shooting Stars started with a full team but were missing a few regular vital players. The game was tough against the well-established Gems who started strongly in the first quarter, scoring nine goals and allowing the Stars none. Shooting Stars came back to break through the Gems defence of Rachel James, Rachel Smith and Caroline Nixon and scored two goals in the second quarter. Gems’ attack showed strong and accurate passing with precise shooting from Sadie James and Fiona Nixon. Newcomer Natalie Grimmer showed she is fitting into the long-standing line-up well. A good game, but Stars simply lacked experience. However, they showed good sportsmanship.

Donington 23

Spalding Sparks 22

This game had it all. It was end-to-end from start to finish. The Sparks were dealt a severe blow with their third defeat in five outings. The Sparks were missing their two regular wingers. These were replaced by Lauren Weatherill in WD and newcomer Sophie Hallam in WA who both showed a promising attempt to bond as quickly as possible into the team. With the A team continuing to miss core players due to various issues, the aim now is to cement a regular seven girls with the desire and commitment to play each week. Emma Hibbins and Lisa Broderick were as composed as could be expected under the circumstances. Selina Mansfield picked up an early knee injury and had to drop back from GD to GK after which the Sparks lost their shape at the back. Caroline Russon (the team’s nominated “bright spark”) in centre provided the Sparks the impetus to keep up their attacking work in a slender defeat.

Black Bullettes 43

BHS U17s 12 (players’ player, Katie Fairweather C)

The Bullettes started strongly against only six players from BHS U17s who were fighting hard. Bullettes pushed hard and were 6-1 up after the first quarter with accurate shooting from Sam Sillett and Laura Kitchen. It was 19-3 to the Bullettes at half-time as they pushed on. The pace continued to be fast and energetic with both teams playing well. But the Bullettes went on to seal the victory.

League Two

BHS U16s 35

Bridge View Flyers B 9

The Flyers tried hard but the U16s broke through the defence to a good win. Both teams played well and despite another crushing loss, the Flyers do continue to improve and learn. The school team showed good composure.

BHS U15s 26 (players’ player, Charlotte Manson GA)

Bridge View Flyers 24

The Flyers gave it their all in this game and it was virtually an exchange of goal for goal as the lead changed regularly. Flyers had two injuries to deal with as Jenny Briley suffered badly bruised fingers and Ness Droy twisted an ankle. The final quarter saw BHS dig deep and improve their defence and attack to take a good win over the Flyers.