RAYCHEM'S Regional League 1 side were edged out 41-39 in a thrilling contest against Poole at New College.

Raychem’s court play was slick and strong in the first quarter, however, the goals weren’t going in and they finished the quarter down by four.

Raychem switched shooters Kelly Morgan and Kelly Gray for the second quarter, but at one point Poole’s lead increased to 11 goals so following an injury time out, they switched back.

This seemed to spark Morgan into life and Raychem started to eat away at the deficit and, by the end of the quarter, brought it back to four.

Raychem introduced fresh legs for the second half with Charlotte Molyneaux entering the fray.

Molyneaux soon picked up the flow of the game, harrying her opponent and taking some great intercepts.

Captain Claire Baverstock, Hayley Lawrence and Tracy Watt continued to pressure the accurate Poole shooters with the skipper’s strong rebounding setting up fast attacks through the court.

Morgan and Jess Loveless continued to combine well allowing Gray to shoot with ease and the scores were level at the end of the third quarter.

With Morgan unavailable for the final quarter, Sarah Angell came on at goal attack, but despite their hard work, the visitors edged the match. Loveless and Lawrence won the Raychem player-of-the-match awards.

Meanwhile in the Swindon League, Raychem B claimed a 54-37 success over Fairford with Ayren Walker taking the player-of-the-match gong.

Elsewhere, Raychem E lost to Delta Red C and Raychem F beat Abbey Meads F 56-11.

Newly-formed Purton played only their third league game at Dorcan looking to secure their their first win.

The club was formed in June by a group of school mums looking to get fit and is coached by Raychem’s Claire Baverstock and Sam Parker.

The players have worked hard over the summer learning basic skills and match play and their efforts were rewarded with a fantastic 39-20 win over league leaders Abbey Meads.

The team played controlled and structured netball with Emma Gee and Kate Blye working hard to convert their shots.

Marie McIntosh controlled the game taking many intercepts and the strong defence of Denise Lockett, Sally Moss and Michelle Harris pressured the Abbey Meads shoots into long-range efforts.

Jo Ash’s movement throughout the court belied her experience and her half-time replacement Georgina Rawlings continued to create space. Tracey Felton was introduced to the game in the final quarter and converted her shots well.

The final whistle brought tears of joy as the new club enjoyed their first win of many. POM was given to defender Harris.