Birthday girl Parr stars as Cricketts edge out Vipers
KATHRYN Parr celebrated her birthday with a playerof-the-match display in Cricketts 47-26 Steiner Premier Division victory over Vipers.
There was nothing between the sides as the first quarter ended 7-7.
The second period was also tight, but Cricketts edged 19-16 ahead, then in the third quarter Vipers couldn’t find a way past GK Stef Johnson and GD Amy Talbot as Cricketts opened up a 33-19 lead.
Centre Parr starred in the final quarter and fine shooting from GA Beth Abinger saw Cricketts cruise home.
GK Sinead Wilson was Vipers player of the match.
Tadley Witches just had the edge over Academy Sky as they snatched a 42-20 victory.
Tadley took a 9-8 firstquarter
lead then great, fast passing between Carol Green and Lucy Moores saw them pull 20-15 ahead.
That lead stretched to 34-27
after three quarters, and although Sky’s centre court players Abi Scarlett, Eryn Robinson and Hannah Kirk fought hard to reduce the deficit, they just ran out of time.
Academy Sky’s Gemma Forte and Carol Green of Tadley Witches were the players of the match.
In Division 1, Academy Sapphires were on the right end of another tight scoreline, pipping Eclipse 45-41.
Academy were quickly into their stride with swift play through the midcourt by Lynsey Marshall (WA) and Erin Lay (C) seeing their side move 10-9 ahead.
But Eclipse hit back and great interceptions by Amanda Irby (GD) and Danielle Jones (WD) created turnovers, with Matilda Macaulay (GA) capitalising to put her side 23-19 up.
Academy regained the lead in the third period thanks to Olive Hutton (GA).
Then in the final quarter defensive pressure from Academy’s Tia Palfrey (GK) and Jenny Ilsley (GD) enabled them to see out the game.
Best players were Lexie Butterworth for Eclipse and Academy’s Kirsty Keneally.
Five Bells saw off Altair Media in another close encounter.
Bells ended the first quarter 10-8 up, and although Altair’s Nicola Martin (C) was outstanding, they stretched their advantage to 21-15 at half-time.
In the third period Altair managed to narrow the gap to five goals.
But in the last quarter, great defence by Bells – particularly star player Maxine Battle (WD) – kept them on the attack as they held on for an enjoyable win.
Academy Juniors proved too strong for Hungerford Scarletts, cruising to a 51-21 victory.
The first quarter, though, was very close as both teams traded points with impressive shooting accuracy.
It was Academy who went into the second quarter 10-6 up and they continued to pull away with their goal shooters on fire to move them 26-12 ahead.
They were even more dominant in he third quarter, leading 38-15 and they finished strongly for an emphatic win.
Best players were Grace Shopland for Academy and Kerensa Head for Scarletts.
Azego came from behind to edge out Jaguars 43-41.
Jaguars took a 12-6 firstquarter lead, but Azego hit back in the second period to move 22-21 up at half-time.
They were still clinging on at 33-31, and although Jaguars best player Olivia Bray intercepted a number of balls, great centre play from Jo Allen, Arena Hughes and Tracey Bell alongside accurate shooting from Megan Taylor and Sam Dawson saw the game end 43-41 to Azego.
Ella Wallace was Azego’s best player