Raychem played host to Gloucester-based Hucclecote in their Regional One fixture at the weekend.

With the visitors sitting second in the table, Raychem knew they faced a tough test.

A familiar line-up of Claire Baverstock, Hayley Lawrence, Tracy Watt, Hayley Reeve, Jess Loveless, Kelly Morgan and Jenny Gray took to the court and came flying out of the blocks applying pressure on the Hucclecote centre pass and creating some early turnovers.

But it wasn’t until the latter stages of the quarter that Raychem were able to capitalise, taking a small lead 16-13.

The second quarter continued in the same vein, with both teams applying pressure on each other all through the court.

The pendulum swung Hucclecote’s way and they led 27-25 at half time.

Coaches Lisa Kellett and Sam Parker mixed things up, introducing Team Bath NPL squad member Sarah Angell, who followed the gameplan perfectly by holding great angles, creating space for Morgan's driving runs and allowing Gray and Loveless to feed the ball easily in to the attacking circle.

The third quarter finished at 38-38 but Raychem took time to settle in the fourth, going four goals down.

However the team dug deep, working tirelessly to turn over ball and give the attacking players shooting opportunities.

Some fine interceptions from defenders Baverstock and Lawrence combined with intelligent court play from Watt, Loveless and Gray saw Raychem claw their way back into the game.

Angell calmly drew them level and Baverstock denied Hucclecote the winner with a gazelle-like one-handed intercept in the goal circle.

In Division One of the Swindon League, Raychem A kept their title hopes on track with a 72-19 win over Moredon A.

Raychem B lost by a solitary goal to Division Two promotion rivals Abbey Meads B as Raychem C beat Pinehurst C by four goals.

In Division four, Raychem E lost to Wootton Bassett A but Raychem F balanced it up by beating Wootton Bassett B 42-32 in Division Five.