Frome Stars 26 – 41 Delta Red
Stars resumed their netball fixtures after the Christmas break and lost to a strong drilled side from Swindon who now top the league.
Stars started well and took an early three goal lead but Delta responded with strong defence, forcing Janie Bullus and Hannah Dredge to take lower percentage shots. Delta meanwhile took shots nearer to the post, thereby forcing Star’s defence to be to close or obstruct. Quarter time score 9-4. Frome improved in the second quarter and Sophie Cox led the way with some great interceptions, turning defence into attack, deservingly winning her the Player of the Match award. Half time score 21 10.
The third quarter was Star’s best as they held Delta to nine goals, with Lucy Perry getting her fair share of interceptions in defence. Sophie and Kate Smith made accurate passes in to Janie and Hannah, and although they matched Delta they just could not make up the deficit accrued in the first quarter.
A disappointing last quarter saw Delta play good possession netball and Frome finished the game frustrated.
A good learning curve for Frome who will learn from this loss. Kate picked up the Player’s player award and Captain’s Sophie and Sheri Pleasants feel that with good practice the return match might have a different outcome!
Frome Hearts 28 – 21 Devizes 8
In their best game to date Hearts sponsored by Dennis Maps produced a great team performance to gain a win!
Instead of waiting till the second quarter to start performing, the defence and offence were both on form from the start.
Natasha Manners and Carly Ritson made countless turnovers which resulted in goals for Hearts. They led in the first quarter by 8 goals to 5.
Going into the second quarter Frome Hearts continued with great teamwork from the attacking players Georgina Guy C and Emily Aston WA ensuring great passes to the shooters Kelly Pleasants GA and Andrea McCall GS ensuring no shots were missed.
The 2nd quarter finished with Hearts leading by 2 points 15-13. Frome made a slight change at half time with Frances Bridgwater coming on at WD. Devizes changed their defence to try and deter McCall from shooting, which did not seem to work so Pleasants and McCall took advantage to gain some extra goals.
Frome’s defence rem-ained strong with the defensive circle tight with Manners GK and Ritson GD making some great interceptions and rebounds.
The 3rd quarter ended 21-18 to Hearts. The final quarter saw Devizes try and up their pace, however Hearts did not give up and fought to the end to secure a win with a final score of 28-21. Andrea McCall picked up her 5th Player of the Match this season and Georgina Guy got Players’ Player for her outstanding performance.
