Route 1 Connections - 52 v PWC Manx Gems Rubies - 26 by Claire Battye Route 1 were quick out of the blocks in this fast paced meeting. Fiona Irving (C) made some great turn overs mid court, delivering the ball to the attacking half and playing some great feeds into shooters Nikki Spencer and Claire Battye. The whirlwind 19 -1 score after the first quarter left little doubt of the final outcome. Giving credit where it’s due, Rubies came out in the second quarter fighting for each goal with some superb shooting from Trudi Halsall who gained confidence with every shot. Rubies improved their game in the third and fourth quarters proving why they remain a premiership side. Jess Hawkins and Lynnette Corrin showed great determination, remained focussed and made some excellent turnovers but despite stepping up their game, it was all a little too late as Rubies could not undo the fast and accurate play of Route 1 in the first quarter. POTM: Fiona Irving (Route 1 Connections); Jess Hawkins (PWC Manx Gems Rubies) Absolute Scaffolding Aces 15 v Fencibles A 30 by Claire Battye Fencibles looked sharp and played a steady game right from the whistle, while Absolute struggled to settle into their game. There was some great defensive moves from the Fencibles girls creating a number of turn overs which gave them the edge in the first quarter. The Aces started to find their feet in the second quarter with Gk Lynsey Plant gaining control in the circle preventing the easy way in for the fencibles shooters. Absolute suffered a blow as GD Gill Cunningham was substituted due to injury but thankfully returned in the second half. Fencibles continued to play a steady game throughout and Absolute made some great changes for the fourth quarter and edged there way closer but there was just not enough time for the Ramsey girls and Fencibles took a deserved win. POTM: Penny Doran (Absolute Scaffolding Aces); Rachael Jarvis (Fencibles A) Fencibles B - 36 v Moore Stephens Hurricanes - 12 by Claire Battye Fencibles have had an unbeaten season so far with their never ending energy and shooters’ accuracy; they look like a great team for the future. While Moore Stephens have shown some great improvement and even took the first goal of the game, there was only really going to be one outcome. The final score does not depict how well the Moore Stephens team played and how much they fought for each and every ball. The final score was down to the fantastic movement and shooting skills of the Fencibles shooters who barely missed a shot in the third and fourth quarters. Both teams played extremely hard and we should look out for both of these teams in the games to come. POTM: Laura Piggott (Fencibles B); Sophie Risher (Moore Stephens Hurricanes) Thompson Travel B - 35 v PWC Manx Gems Sapphires - 37 by Hannah Clague In another fine performance by Thompson Travel B team against PWC Gems Sapphires, the mighty Thompson reigned superior with their 6th successive victory of the season. Fine performances throughout the team, including some great interceptions, saw the confident Thompson control the game against their determined opposition. Sapphires started brightly opening up the scoring but were soon pegged back as Thompson pushed forward. Sapphires continued to compete but with several players waiting on the bench, Thompson were always the fresher team and as the unlucky Emily Bell twisted her ankle soon after coming on these additional numbers proved useful. With a final score of 37-7 Thompson secure their second place position in the league and will be hoping to continue their fine form in coming matches. POTM: Rachael Hopkins (Thompson Travel); Monica Dixie (PWC MG Sapphires) C&S Joinery A - 49 v Missfits A - 23 by Claire Belcher-Smith Both teams started strong, fighting for every ball. Missfits were missing some vital players but this did not stop them as they demonstrated accurate shooting and competent ball handling and passing mid-court. At quarter time it was anyones game. C&S took to the court for the rest of the game with more determination, and slowly started to edge into the lead. Missfits GK Ellie Shopland and Vivia Stawna (GD) worked very hard and made it difficult for the C&S Shooters, but Erin Whelan, Sarah Corkish and Chloe Swales were on form and each goal went in. Impressive mid-court playwas evident on both sides but C&S looked more in control and made cleaner passes. Missfits’ attack were excellent, Emma Williams was on good form as usual but the hard work of Louise Duncan who’s made a very welcome comeback, was unstoppable alongside defender Andrea Debruin, as both defenders made critical interceptions for their team. C&S came out on top winning 49-23. POTM: Andrea Debruin (C&S); Ellie Shopland (Missfits) C&S Joinery D - 28 v Switched on Sharks -19 by Marie Skillicorn The second division saw a middle of the table clash on Sunday with both teams needing a win to remain in the first half of the table. C&S started off well with strong attacking movement to give clear feeds into shooters Aalish Bridson (GA) & Jodie Swales (GS). Sharks were finding it hard to find find their opportunities as a number of turnovers weren't being converted by their Shooters. C&S continued to stride forward with great impetus as Neve Longshaw & Jess Newby’s (C) drive gave the southerners a healthy start. However, some weak passing from C&S during the second half offered Sharks further opportunities which they seized to score some valuable goals. Great shooting from Sharks’ GS enabled them to draw strength and overturn the poor start whilst challenging C&S. Sharks continued to apply pressure and claw back the goals, coming within a very narrow margin during the 3rd quarter. However, a revitalised C&S team take to the court in the final quarter with Hollie Armstrong (GD) making essential interceptions to consolidate a C&S win. POTM: Holly Armstrong (C&S Joinery D); Serephina Batty (Switched on Sharks) Route 1 Sparks - 26 v Missfits B - 7 by Marie Skillicorn Two new and young teams to enter the MNA league this year and both showed a lot of determination and spirit but it was Route 1 who held their composure better. There was a large amount of mid-court play as the teams tussled for game play. Route 1 maintained the upper hand as Missfits squandered a number of opportunities in the early stages which prevented them making any real attacking threats. Route 1 had good mid-court movement through Alice Willoughby (C) and Paige Skillicorn (GK) was instrumental in the breakdown of the Missfits attack as Route 1 continued to extend their lead. However, Missfits didn't let their heads drop and continued to apply pressure and goals eventually ensued. The Missfits defensive team also came to life in the latter part of the game making vital rebounds which prevented Route 1 from achieving a higher score. The late surge wasn't enough from Missfits to prevent the domination by Route 1 who were the more structured team able to create and better upon opportunities. POTM: Becky Kelly (Route 1 Sparks); Melanie Trees (Missfits B) Magic Carpets 39 v Manx Glass Saints 26 Lets begin by congratulating Ruth Kinnish (nee Holden), GK for Magic Carpets, on the safe arrival of Samuel who is making good progress in the SCBU after deciding to make his entrance 7 weeks early! Magic Carpets dominated this match from beginning to end. They only had five players available due to various scenarios but the athleticism of the five was no match for Manx Glass Saints. Sara Collister GD for Magic Carpets seemed to cover the entire goal third picking up interceptions from both Manx Glass Saints WA Sarah Cain and the GA Ellan O'Neill. Magic Carpets also utilised the long ball pass with great effect. Again with Collister passing directly to Kerry Kelly C who in turn did a hard, flat, long pass into Nina Corrin (GS) whose accuracy remains solid even though her shooting action defies all recommended shooting technique. With an injured Sue Richardson for Manx Glass they struggled to make any impact in the first two quarters. As Magic Carpets tired during the second half, Sarah Cain (WA) and Paige McPham (C) took advantage and gained possession, claiming more goals for the Saints and securing the all important and well-deserved 2 points in the league table. Had it not been for the continued man to man marking from Chrissie Johnson GK for Magic Carpets I feel more goals would have been achieved. Sarah Bettridge GS for Magic Carpets worked intelligently with Corrin and outthwarted the defensive duo of Kerri Williams and Louise Cain for Manx Glass Saints. A good clean game played with great enthusiasm from both sides resulting in a tired but exhilirated Magic Carpets gaining a good win for Ruth and Samuel in their absence. POTM: Sara Collister (Magic Carpets); Mel Gribben (Manx Glass Saints). Results: Sunday 20th November Premier: C&S Joinery A 49, Missfits A 23; SMP Ballasalla B 43, C&S Joinery B 47; Route 1 Connections 52, PWC Manx Gems Rubies 26;SMP Ballasalla A 52, Thompson A 16. Division 1: Absolute Scaffolding Aces 15, Fencibles A 30; Magic Carpets 39, Manx Glass Saints 26; Anglo Manx Electrical Services 33, C&S Joinery C 24; PokerStars 43, PWC Manx Gems Emeralds 23. Division 2: Thompson B 35, PWC Manx Gems Sapphires 7; Switched on Sharks 19, C&S Joinery D; Route 1 Sparks 26, Missfits B 7; Fencibles B 36, Moore Stephens Hurricanes 12. CUP Match Fixtures - Sunday 27th November NSC 1: 9am PWC MG Emeralds v Moore Stephens Hurricanes; 10amPokerStars v C&S Joinery D; 11am C&S Joinery C v Fencibles B. NSC 2: 9am Fencibles A v Switched on Sharks; 10am Magic Carpets v Route 1 Sparks; 11am Anglo Manx Electrical Services v PWC Manx Gems Sapphires. QEII: 10am Manx Glass Saints v Missfits B; 11am Absolute Scaffolding Aces v Thompsn B. ENDS