Division One draw prevented a whitewash

TORRENTIAL rain signalled a poor start to a relatively unsuccessful weekend for Guernsey netball. With the courts at F.B Fields unplayable the various 'Upton' clashes were moved at short notice to indoors at Fort Regent.

Credit must go to the Jersey girls who pulled out all the stops and helped to move around 100 people and ensuring that the games, although half an hour behind schedule, were still played.

In the top match Nerine Trust A lined up against St Clement's in what was to be Guernsey's only sniff of success.

St Clement's clearly meant business and steamed into a four-goal lead before Nerine were able to reply.

Another crippling blow for Nerine A came with an injury to WD Nena Bourgaize, which forced her out of the game after just four minutes. Naomi Taylor came on and contributed well despite having already played a full match.

Nerine were missing the services of their regular GS Dawn Browning and GA Jenny Jordan seemed unsettled without her usual partner in crime. Browning's replacement, Tanya Gibson, played a very consistent game despite being out of her preferred defence position.

The fluid play from St Clement's saw them forge ahead and at half time they were nine goals in front.

But the half-time pep talk seemed to do Nerine the world of good and with Juliet Godwin back in her usual role of centre their game picked up and they outscored the Jersey champions to go into the final quarter just six goals behind.

The last 15 minutes was tense and exciting thanks to some gutsy moves in attack and Jordan consistently netting the ball at the crucial moment.

Nerine drew level and even edged ahead for a time.

However, St Clement's were not to be denied their share of the spoils and drew level in the closing seconds of the match.

Normally extra time would have been played but with the Guernsey players already late for the return boat trip a draw ensured a share of the trophy.

Division Four winners Autumn Gold were up against Quackers and held their own for a while during the first quarter.

But the speed of their Jersey counterparts took them by surprise and despite some great defence from Lynn de Carteret and Sharon Trotter, the Guernsey team quickly slipped behind.

Julie Coutu was also a driving force for Autumn Gold, linking defence and attack excellently in centre court.

Even in defeat this proved a good experience for Autumn Gold ahead of faster, more competitive netball in Division Three next season.

Division Three winners Guernsey Motor Spares faced Convent Two. Guernsey Motor Spares are not without experience in the 'Uptons', having won at this level in the past.

Unfortunately, they were not at their best in Jersey and despite putting on a spirited performance and appearing to enjoy the experience they fell to a 56-23 defeat.

Division Two champions Nerine Trust D were clearly determined against St Lawrence and went goal for goal for most of the first quarter.

St Lawrence edged ahead from then on and despite defensive partners Katie Duquemin and Jo Savident working tirelessly, their height disadvantage was crucial.

Nerine's usual controlled play was not as evident as it has been during the season and St Lawrence extended their lead to go into the final quarter six goals up.

In the final quarter shooters Amanda Eley and Hannah Dunnell converted some fantastic long range shots, but the Jersey team were not in a benevolent mood and continued to press hard, forcing Nerine to make errors.

This resulted in a loss of discipline and Nerine struggled to make a late impression and lost by just seven goals. Final score 38-31.

Division One runners-up Nerine Trust B faced Convent One.

With two of their regular squad out of action due to injury Nerine drew from their C team and played Lisa Davey and Hayley Bougourd.

The opening quarter saw Convent score five goals before Nerine could reply, but the Guernsey side's tenacity shone through and by the end of that quarter they had clawed their way back into the game with the score standing at 12 goals apiece.

Sadly, things went awry for Nerine in the second quarter, largely due to a breakdown in defence.

The sheer speed of the home team also played a part in Convent's dominance, with every pass seemingly anticipated and every loose ball accurately played into the shooting circle.

To Nerine's credit they never gave up the fight but were simply outplayed and the final whistle brought the game to a close with Convent leading 62-36.