Queripel returns in Nerine A victory

CLAIRE QUERIPEL made a welcome return for Nerine A as they opened their season with victory over their B team in the Condor Ferries Premier League. The island centre, who missed last season as she had a baby, showed great awareness and initiated some excellent moves as her side pulled away from their opponents in the second half.

With the A team missing some regulars, a fast-paced first quarter ended 12-12 before Lyndsey Bougourd was introduced at WA and things quickened up even more.

Strong defending by both teams kept the score fairly even up to half-time as the shooting partnership of Anna Trump and Riska Strydom continued to show much potential for the B side, but the champions went up a gear in the third and fourth quarters to run out 49-34 winners.

Fortis Sarnians One took the honours in the week's other Premier League fixture, defeating Nerine C 41-36.

WA Nicki Pettitt fed well into the circle and player of the match GS Laura Callaway was on top form for the victors, although Sarnians had to produce a fourth quarter comeback after Denise Bourgaize and Dawn Browning had given Nerine C the lead.

In Division One, Nerine F claimed a 34-30 victory in a very tight encounter with Richmond Masters.

All the shooters were on fine form in the first-ever meeting between the two sides which saw Nerine storm into a commanding lead before their opponents fought back with some solid centre court play from C Vanessa Marsh in unison with GD Julie Wright.

However, the third quarter was crucial as Richmond did not settle quickly after making changes and Nerine applied the pressure, with WA Katie Daunt and C Carrie Dodd proving strong and pacey feeding the ball up court.

Meanwhile, P&J Conservatories One showed their experience and produced an excellent team performance to see off a spirited Nerine G 45-22.

Newcomer WD Heidi Rosamund has fitted into the P&J ranks well and played a strong role in the victory along with C Jo Wakeham and WA Janet McCrudy. The goals were scored by Joy Knight and Natalie Gilman.

Heritage One lacked several first team players and struggled against Nerine D, who emerged 31-15 winners, while Fortis Sarnians Two narrowly beat Nerine E 33-28.

In Division Two, a remarkable last quarter fightback by Fortis Sarnians Three earned them the narrowest of wins over Guernsey Electric 15-14.

Heritage Two overcame JT Electrics 40-21, HSBC Honeys defeated PWC 34-32 and Nerine H beat P&J Conservatories Two 28-19.

Close Encounters maintained an early lead throughout their Divisoin Three match with Fortis Sarnians Four to come away 23-11 winners.

In the same division, Nerine J defeated the inexperienced Nerine K 46-15 while Autumn Gold were victorious against Fortis Sarnians Five

38-19.