Sarnians stay in sight of runners-up

SARNIANS ONE have given themselves renewed hope of snatching second spot behind champions-elect Nerine A in the top division of the Condor Ferries League. Bridget Yabsley's side have got used to finishing runners-up behind mighty Nerine, but as they rebuild, Sarnians' top side have found themselves trailing in an unaccustomed fourth spot.

But a 34-28 win over second-placed Nerine C Vets has pushed Sarnians to within four points of their defeated opponents, with Nerine B splitting the two in third.

Nerine C never recovered from an early injury to Yvonne Travis.

Although Lisa Martin came on at WD and played well to earn herself a player-of-the-match nomination the change unsettled the Veterans sufficiently for them to lose by six.

The blustery conditions did not help the shooters and, just for once, Dawn Browning and Zoe Batiste were not their usual deadly selves.

Sarnians took the first quarter 11-4 and ended the second 19-14 to the good.

In the third, Nerine made a further change with Ann Saunders coming in at GD, but it was not until the final period and a further change which saw Saunders switch to GA and Denise Bourgaize slot in at GD that Nerine get on top without ever looking as if they might win.

In a rain-hit programme, just three top-flight matches went ahead and in the others there were wins for TCCI over P & J Conservatories and Barclays Masters against MPR Sarnians Two.

P & J began well enough and matched TCCI goal for goal for the first 15 minutes.

The second was a different story, though, and P & J managed just two in reply to the opposition's 11.

There was no way back and TCCI ultimately won by 39-26.

Barclays Masters won 41-27.

In Division Three, title-chasing Guernsey Electric stay in touching distance of leaders Heritage Two after a good 31-11 win.

Electric's life was made more difficult by the excellence of Nerine GD Chantal Marson.

But once Sarah Eley and Philippa Le Vasseur found their range in the second quarter Nerine were swamped and there was no way back.

Heritage Two were soon in control against HSBC thanks to the fine shooting of Ali Guillou.

It was 14-7 at the end of the first and although HSBC gradually eased their way back into the match, they could not get closer than four.

The only other game saw Autumn Gold edge out the young MPR Sarnians Four team by a single goal.

It was tough on the juniors who were collectively nominated player of the match.

There was never more than two goals in it and both sides had moments of brilliance with their passing and shooting.