Moonraker Netball League

Trowbridge 34 Westbury 15

In the first match of the season at Devizes Leisure Centre it was Trowbridgewho came out on top.

This was an enjoyable match despite the drizzle that persisted for most of the match. Trowbridge produced excellent open court play throughout, creating plenty of shooting chances of which a good percentage were converted.

In a new enterprise for the M/L league Pemier Division umpires are now supported by scorers allowing them to concentrate fully on the match and so speed up the play.

Devizes A 51 Malmesbury 30

Devizes A started the season with a convincing win over Malmesbury. The team has welcomed new members this season and also seen a number of former players return. The team were playing their first competitive match together and, appropriately unveiled their vibrant new kit. Dev played some wonderful, fast attacking netball moving the ball with confidence to their experienced shooters. Defensively the team made a number of impressive interceptions and overall it was a positive start to their season. Player of the Match for Dev was captain Becki Gaiger who worked tirelessly for the whole match. With this positive team spirit, Dev A can look forward to a promising season.

Fitzmaurice A 17 Bradford on Avon A 38

Being Fitzmaurice A's first game in the Premier Division after winning Div 1 last season, they kne they would be facing strong opposition. Fitz did not get off to the best start and by the end of the first quarter were down by 11 goals to 3. The Bradford attack were really strong and made some great passes into and around the shooting circle making it difficult for Fitz to defend. Towards the end of the second half of the game Fitz put together some good passes and manged to score a few goals back. Their stand-in GS - Claire Lawley - put in a good performance and was able to hold her own against the Bradford GK who was their player of the match. Katie Vooght was Fitz's p-o-m.

Calne A 46 Devizes A 26

Devizes faced Calne in their second fixture of the season and knew from the outset it would be one of their toughest matches.

Although they eventually fell to a 20 goal defeat, the first half saw Devizes match Calne goal for goal with some excellent shooting from GA Becki Gaiger and GS Claire Sartin. Devizes played fluid attacking netball, moving the ball confidently from centre passes.

Tracey Hinton enjoyed a great half hour playing out of position at WA, showing why she has retained her place in the A team this season.

However, Devizes made a number of unforced errors in the second half and gifted Calne a lead they could not claw back. Player of the match was GD Sian Heywood who made a number of vital interceptions.

Chippenham A 45 Malmesbury A 35

Chippenham fielded three teams at the Devizes venue.

Despite restricted access to training facilities at the beginning of the season, all three teams won their matches convincingly. Chippenham A welcomed 2 new players - Lynn Parry and Rachel Humphreys to their team - promoted from the B squad.

Malmsbury led the first quarter with some very accurate shooting. Chippenham responded with excellent teamwork, wearing down Malmesbury in the third quarter, before romping home to a convincing win in the final quarter. Chip.

Player of the match went to Shelley Meiklereid for superb defending and commitment.

Division One

Devizes B 41 Corsham 22

An excellent start to the new seasonto a very new look Devizes B.

Only three of last season's original line-up remain in the new 11 player squad.

The first quarter was quite an even affair with both sides creating shooting opportunities; Devizes just edging ahead by the end.

They settled into their game in the second quarter and never looked back. Their style of play opened up the court, creating plenty of space for players to run onto passes - and the game flowed down the court.

Corsham replied with some good spells of play and excellent long range shooting from their experienced GS.

The Dev defence of Becky Heywood and, out of position, Jo Harris had an excellent match - great cover over the shots at goals, consistent rebounding and timely interceptions to turn the game in Dev's favour.

Centre court players Sam Lee, Kit Dillon and Aimee Williams worked tirelessly to bring the ball down court to shooters Sarah McIntosh and Charity Nichols who, after a slow start, shot consistently well.

The final quarter was won 13-4 by Dev giving the team a very satisfying first win of the season.

Westbury 34 Fitzmaurice B 17

FOR the first match of the season Fitz fielded a mixture of experienced players and very new against a much more experienced Westbury.

Westbury took the lead from the outset with Fitz only able to score half the goals of their opponents. The experience of the Fitz attack was able to keep the team motivated, but great shooting and forward play from Westbury kept the pressure on the Fitz defence, despite the considerable efforts of GD amy Wring and GK Rosie Tomlin. Westbury GS and Fitz WA Sarah Granville were awarded Player of the match.

Melksham CATS 28 Combe Down 48

Melksham's 2nd game of the season proved to be harder than anticipated.

A change of players, and positions, for Melksham meant it took time for the team to gel.

Combe Down were strong from the first whistle and ended the 1st Quarter with an 11 goal lead through good attacking centre court play.

This was maintained through the 2nd quarter and ended with a 13 goal difference.

By the end of the 3rd quarter there was a 21 goal gap. By now Melksham were settling into their game, producing accurate passing and in centre court Sharon Rothery was intercepting many CD passes and feeding Melksham circle resulting in much needed goals.

The game was CD's but with some good defence Melksham managed to limit the goal difference.

Division Two

Malmesbury B 17 Jaymart 44 Jaymart got their season off to a flying start with an emphatic win.

Both teams played consistently throughout the match. Malmesbury put up a good fight but struggled to feed the ball into their shooters passed a strong Jaymart defence. In attack Jaymart combined successfully, creating space and passing the ball accurately around the court to feed the shooters who were on impressive form, converting almost every opportunity.

GK Lorraine McQueen and GA Emily Woznica were outstanding despite being out of position and player of the match went to Natalie Creighton.

Division Three

Devizes D 21 Chippenham D 28

Chippenham started well and had soon built up a good lead.

Devizes responded in the 2nd quarter to bring themselves back in contention.

They kept up the pressure in the 2nd half of the match but Chippenham maintained their lead. Devizes were pleased with the result, gaining a point for being within 10 goals at the end of the match.

Devizes Jax 14 Chippenham C 31

The first match of Devizes Jax's first ever season in the Moonraker League.

The Jax are the club's newly formed fifth team in the league and all girls are U14. A very enjoyable match for both teams.

As expected the U14 started very fast and almost caught Chippenham napping, the score was 2-2 in as many minutes. Chippenham's experience began to show and they began to take the upper hand but not without a fight throughout the entire match.

Devizes were non-stop with their running and enthusiasm and added goals to their tally in each quarter through GA Hannah Sedgwick and GS Ayesha Holland.

The centre court commitment of C Laura O'Donovan, and wings Kali Cottle, Katie Baross and Laura Christopher was excellent.

In defence Izzy Humbey and Helen Pettersson cut out plenty of Chippenham's attacks and rebounded quickly but the accuracy of the Chippenham shooters ensured they ran out winners.