THE Abbey Meads regional team fought off a late surge from Team Bath to hold on at the death and secure an impressive 38-37 home victory.

The Swindon side were looking to bounce back after losing their first game of the season against Trident and the first quarter went their way as slick passing from Beth Thompson and accurate shooting gave them a five-point lead.

However, Bath soon found their rhythm in the second quarter and pulled level at 18-18 by the interval.

A hotly contested third quarter saw excellent play and mistakes from both teams ensured the score remained locked at 29-29 with only one session remaining and, with all to play for, Abbey were quick to disrupt Bath with their zone defence and pulled three goals clear.

The visitors continued to fight for every ball and pulled back to only one behind. As time ticked down both sides missed scoring chances, leaving Abbey to take the honours and remain two points clear at the top of Regional League 3 table..

Player of the match nominations went to Abbey’s Nikki Garvey and Bath’s Nic Palmer.