RAYCHEM E started the season well with a 29-21 win over Lawn D in Division Four.

The strong defence of Mandy Hooper, Chris Geddes and Gail Walker made things very difficult for Lawn’s young attack and Raychem took the lead in the first quarter, keeping it for the remainder of the match.

Experienced shooter Joy Harrison controlled the attacking circle and worked well with young talent Naomi Keene, who used her height and strength to great advantage.

The centre court combinations linked defence to attack well with newcomer Alison Giles working hard to find space.

Team Manager Cally Warren was able to give all squad members court time and her POM went to Giles. The opposition POM went to Keene.

Elsewhere, Raychem A beat Pinehurst A 47-30, Raychem B beat Pinehurst B 45-36, Raychem D beat Abbey Meads 48-19 and Raychem F beat Fairford D 27-12. The C team were beaten by league 2 newcomers Razzle Dazzle, the current Salisbury League champions who have joined the Swindon League to improve their game, and the Regional team lost to Poole Aquarians in their first game back in Regional League 1.

The RL1 team knew it would be a tough match against a young Poole side who had finished well last season.

The starting seven were Hayley Lawrence, Natalie Peperell, Hayley Reeve, Jess Loveless, Charlotte Molyneaux, Kelly Morgan and Sarah Angell.

The opposition made the most of Raychem’s rushed passing and took the ball to goal with speed and athleticism.

The new squad members fitted in well with 16-year-old Angell making her RL1 debut by shooting 80 per cent, capping off a great week as she has also been selected for Team Bath’s National Performance League (NPL) squad for this season.

Team Manager Mo Squires introduced the experienced Claire Baverstock and Tracy Watt at half time but Poole took the match 64-27 - Raychem are confident of improving this score when the teams next meet.