EXPERIENCE overcame youth as Moredon C edged out Fairford C 38-37 in a titanic Swindon & District Division Three tussle at Dorcan.

The average age of the Moredon side was 51, their opponents’ just 15, and those younger Fairford legs came out flying to lead 14-10 at the end of the first quarter.

The difference in styles was clear from the outset as Moredon played at a slower, controlled pace, while Fairford moved the ball faster through the court and into attack to build a four-goal cushion at the first interval.

Moredon powered back in the second quarter, bossing possession and pulling out a string of interceptions to force a six-goal swing, taking a 25-23 lead by half time.

The third quarter proved a disjointed affair littered with errors but Moredon’s accuracy in the shooting circle kept the veterans’ noses in front, with the combination of Jenny Carter and Marie Godbeer converting 80 per cent of their shots.

Although Fairford had more possession, as they intercepted balls throughout the court inspired by Ollie Dowe’s switch from wing attack to wing defence, the team were unable to turn control into goals, with a shooting accuracy of 60 per cent.

Moredon remained a goal up at 30-29 going into the fourth quarter and the two teams matched each other goal for goal in a very close final period.

Ultimately the seasoned Moredon side held their nerve, and their one-goal lead, to seal a victory that edges them closer to the top four in the division.

Carter was awarded player of the match for Moredon C, with Dowe taking the honours for Fairford.

Elsewhere in the Division, Abbey Meads C are now just a point behind leaders Raychem C by way of an impressive 59-14 mauling of rock-bottom Thames A.

Fairford B leapfrogged Croft B after beating their rivals 37-28.

In the top division, pace-setters Abbey Meads A emphasised their dominance with a comfortable 47-21 victory over third-placed Delta Reds.

The win made it a perfect 11 and extended their advantage over second-placed Park, who were beaten 57-35 by Nationwide.

Burmah A are now rooted to bottom spot on the back of a 42-26 loss to Moredon’s first string.

Fairford A clambered out of the basement with a 33-25 win over Croft A.

Raychem B narrowed the gap on inactive top two Moredon B and Abbey Meads B thanks to a 55-24 win over struggling Nationwide B.

Park B remain nestled just behind Nationwide after netting just 14 times in answer to Burmah B’s 25.

Nationwide C made it 10 wins out of 10 in Division Four by making it 10 defeats out of 10 for Delta Reds C, as the leaders beat the bottom side 57-21.

Ramsbury still have Nationwide in their sights as a 34-23 win over Lawn E kept them just three points off of the leaders.

Burmah D now top Division Five courtesy of their 47-10 win over Fairford D and Croft D’s 23-13 loss to Wootton Bassett.