Abbey Meads A met Burmah last Saturday in Division One of Swindon and District Netball League. Having had a difficult match the week before, Abbey started anxiously. However after early, confident play all over the court and accurate shooting from Julie Hewitt, Abbey quickly settled. Eliminating the unforced errors which dogged them the week before, Abbey pulled away from the Burmah side with excellent defending and court play from both Susie Lidbury and Helen Maine culminating in a 23-8 half time score. Abbey continued to dominate throughout the second half with Burmah struggling to crack the Abbey defence only managing a handful of goals. Abbey maintained the fast pace all the way to the end of the match taking a 59-15 win.

Abbey Meads B v Delta Reds C On a windswept afternoon, Abbey managed to beat both the weather and Delta Reds C to make it 7 wins in a row. Abbey got off to a flying start, quickly taking the lead thanks to some superb shooting from Sam Thompson and Sarah Hubbard. Following some good turnovers in both defence and also the mid court Abbey had established a comfortable lead at half time. Half time saw Delta make a change in defence which rattled Abbey and forced them into many errors and allowed Delta to win the 3rd quarter. Following a shaky start to the 4th quarter, Abbey managed to regain their flow down the court through player of the match Alison Bray and returned back to the game play shown in the 1st and 2nd quarters. Final score 40-17 to Abbey.

Abbey Meads D v Fairford C (15/01/2011) - Result 22 – 14 The latest game of the season was a highly competitive match in very blustery conditions between Abbey Meads D and Fairford C. Fairford persevered throughout the game but Abbey Meads managed to hold on and extend their lead in the final quarter. Result Abbey Meads 22, Fairford C 14.

Abbey Meads settled quickest in the difficult weather conditions and took control of the game in the first quarter. Despite strong winds which hampered shooting accuracy they managed to gain a 6 – 2 lead. In the second quarter however Fairford were by far the stronger side taking advantage of Abbey Meads bad positioning and unforced errors. They managed to reduce Abbey Meads lead to just 2 goals at the end of the first half.

The third quarter proved to be much like the second with Fairford able to draw level and maintain the pressure. With renewed determination Abbey Meads raised their level of play in the last quarter, with tight marking and accurate passing, to forge ahead a finish with an 8 goal lead. Player of the match: Becky Brennan.

Based on information supplied by Jennifer Purcell.