One of the three unbeaten records in the Honiton Netball League was ended in the latest round of matches, writes Graham Ingram.

One of the three unbeaten records in the Honiton Netball League was ended in the latest round of matches, writes Graham Ingram.

The reason for the loss of one of the three records can be explained by the fact that two of the three were playing each other!

The top two in Division One, Uplowman and Hi Q went head-to-head and Uplowman started slightly better, leading 10-9 at the halfway stage in a game where both defences played a big role.

At the end of the third period it was all square at 12-12 before Hi Q got the upper hand and squeezed out an 18-14 win that saw them hang on to the second spot. Sadie Moran and Vicky Channings were the pick of Hi Q and Uplowman respectively. Hi Q remained second because third placed, and unbeaten Flamingos, have a better goal difference thanks to their convincing 44-11 win a fast and friendly encounter with Signs South West.

Flamingos, with Karen Hall playing well led from the start and although Hollie Loader put in a great show for SSW they were never in the game and dropped back to sixth in the table.

The basement dwellers remain JD Tyres who continue to find life tough and their latest outing saw them on the wrong end of a 57-11 game against Otters. With Bryony Monaghan in fine form Otters were just too strong despite the efforts of JD and of Tiffany Munt in particular.

Toucans Chicks and Tip Top Trees met with both sides looking for their first win and it was Chicks who came out on top. The first quarter was close with Chicks just edging 3Ts 9-8. With Charlotte Yorke playing well the Chicks moved 21-12 up at halfway, but 3Ts didn’t give up and went goal for goal in the third quarter thanks to fine play from Rachel Cavin. In the final session the Toucans came back to finish winners by 33-23 and move up to fifth place.

Meanwhile, the second tier is becoming a two team race with Panthers and Hawks opening up a gap over the other sides. Tonight both were in action and the

Ford & Pentecost Panthers were up against third placed Otter Valley. They were not phased however, and with Gina Swann playing well they dominated play from the start. Becca Rowe worked hard for OVD but Panthers were just too strong and their 27-8 win saw them retain their 100% record and their two point advantage over Howden Hawks. The Hawks were in action against Blackdown Ladies and the game proved to be a close contest. At half way Hawks had a 9-7 lead. In the third period Tara Monk came to the fore and Howden gradually gained control to lead 17-13 going into final period. Despite good work from Rose Cook for Blackdown the Hawks continued well and finished winners by 22-16.

Tables

Division One P GD Pts

Flamingos 5 121 15

Hi Q 5 97 15

Uplowman 5 93 13

Otters 5 81 13

Sidmouth Toucan Chicks 5 -45 7

Signs South West 5 -74 4

Tip Top Trees 5 -83 4

JD Tyres 5 -190 0

Division Two P GD Pts

Ford & Pentecost Panthers 7 127 21

Howden Hawks 7 73 19

Otter Valley 7 32 12

Sidmouth Toucans 5 31 11

Blackdown Ladies 6 -54 8

Pixies 5 -37 7

Swaggermamas 6 -97 4

Beer Blazers * 5 -75 -2

* Deducted three points for rule infringement