Nerine open gap over old enemy

NERINE A stretched their lead at the top of the Condor Ferries Premier League with a 39-30 win over close rivals, Fortis Sarnians One. 'It wasn't one of our best games but in fairness Sarnians One played very well,' said Nerine coach, Gill Queripel.

'They are always a force to reckon with. It was one of our hardest games this season.

'Never underestimate a Sarnian when she plays a Nerine.'

In a fast-and-furious affair, Sarnians One opened the scoring in the first minute and the defence work was so accurate that the next goal - by Nerine - took another seven minutes.

It was then goal for goal until the end of the quarter, when Sarnians scored the extra one to lead 9-7.

Nerine fought back to grab the advantage but shooters Kerri Brown and Nena Bourgaize were not always converting their chances.

The Sarnian shooting partnership of Laura Callaway and Jane Fears were also having problems as the wind was gusting across the court, making life increasingly difficult for both sides.

Nerine finished the second quarter 20-16 ahead.

In the third quarter they again outscored their opposition, but the Sarnians' court play was rapid and once again the defending partnership of Liz Stonebridge and Tracie Hards were excellent.

Nerine finished this quarter 33-25 up.

In the last quarter the Sarnians defence once again kept the Nerine score down, but unfortunately at the other end their shooters could not convert their shots and Nerine came out winners by nine.

Sarnians still sit second in the table but the new Premier League that was created at the start of the season has resulted in a closer competition for the top teams.

'It's now a little bit tighter for us,' said Queripel, coach of the Nerine side that has dominated local netball for years.

'We can't go out and say we've got a walk in the park.

'Everyone likes to go out and beat the one at the top.

'You're always going to get popped at.'

Fortis Sarnians Two took control of things from the first whistle in their game against Nerine G to win 39-15.

Meanwhile, P & J Conservatories One lost to Nerine F in a nail-biter that ended 28-2.

In a slow-paced game, Richmond Masters took the first quarter 6-3 against Heritage One, but it was the latter who were celebrating at the end.

They won 20-16.

In a crunch match, Nerine D overcame Nerine E 26-17, despite Elka de Carteret having a great game at goal defence against her sister Kiara.

P & J Conservatories Two got the

better of HSBC Honeys, the latter hit

by an injury to wing defence Rachel Cumberland-Dodd that meant they were down to six players in the last quarter.

This proved crucial as P & J ran home winners, 28-18.

Nerine L claimed their first win of the season, beating Nerine K 27-22 and KPMG also tasted success for the first time this campaign, steamrolling Fortis Sarnians Five 21-6.