Vipers have had a tough start to their East Regional Clubs League season, with two heavy defeats in recent weeks. They were determined to get some points under their belt from their third fixture against Essex’s Bears this weekend. Both teams started well, with the score even after the first quarter at 10-10. A stern team talk at quarter time from coach Ellis saw Vipers up the tempo in the second quarter, and a superb 15 minutes allowed the home team to take a good lead. A close third quarter kept Bears in the game and meant Vipers could only add one more goal to their lead, which resulted in a very tense final 15 minutes. Bears fought hard and reduced the difference, but Vipers clung on to their lead with a really strong squad performance, and were delighted when the final whistle blew. Lisa Blount (GD) received the away team’s player of the match, and Alison Johnson (GS) the home.

Leighton Buzzard Jets 30 Luton Red Tornadoes 26

This weekend Leighton Buzzard Jets played Luton Red Tornadoes in the Luton and Dunstable Premier League.  It was due to be a difficult game, as Tornadoes usually have the upper hand and win, however a determined Jets were eager to get a different result.  The score was even after the first quarter at 7-7, but with some fantastic defending by Kerry Cocks and Sheelah McGregor, Jets kept Tornadoes and bay and pulled ahead to be winning 16-14.  In the third quarter Jets realised that it was in this quarter where they had to maintain their lead, and with some excellent court and attacking play by Natalie Phillips, Helen Hazell and Adrienne Doyle, managed to keep the lead to 22-19.  Everyone on the court worked hard throughout the whole game with Emma Barton and Teresa Kwok keeping an experienced Tornadaoes at bay.  Teresa provided some exceptional support and back up to the Jets attack, leading to her being Jets Player of the Match.  A fantastic win for Jets, with the final score being 30-26 to them.

Leighton Buzzard Harriers 42 Apollo 28

Leighton Buzzard Harriers secured their first win of the season on Saturday beating Apollo 42 – 28. Harriers took an early lead and at the end of the first quarter were winning 9-4. Experienced side Apollo came back fighting in the second quarter but were unable to close the gap, and with Jenny Payne and Vicki Molnár-Brown providing a confident attack, Harriers were 20-15 up at half time.

Accurate shooting from Hayley Barton and solid circle defence from Sophy Oliver and Dani Bartiromo saw Harriers pull away in the third quarter, 31-21 up going into the final quarter. Harriers came back strong in the final quarter with centre-court play dominated by Karen Edgell and Sian O’Brien. With the visiting team tiring, Harriers capitalised on their lead and went on to win the game 42–28. Harriers were keen to do well despite the miserable weather at Vandyke School, and the positive attitude carried through to their game. Smooth passing, confident play and unwavering enthusiasm from all players saw Harriers gel well together as a team and led to a convincing, well-deserved win. Player of the match was shared between Hayley Barton and Dani Bartiromo

After a disappointing start to the season last weekend with a loss against Eastwood, Leighton Buzzard Netball Club’s regional team ‘Vipers’ were keen to get a win as they hosted local rivals Team Beds in their second regional fixture of the season. Unfortunately Vipers started poorly, and a superbly organised Team Beds punished a string of mistakes by the home team. Changes at quarter time were unsuccessful, and Vipers were continued to be embarrassed by the youngsters from Bedford. Thankfully, a good team talk from coach Marj Ellis and more changes at half time saw Vipers reshape, and throughout the second half of the game the Leightonians fought strongly to offer their opponents some decent competition, but the game had already been won, finally finishing 27-62. Jade Favell at WD/GD was named player of the match by her team mates, with Team Beds selecting Alison Johnson at GS. Vipers now have a two week break before taking on Bears from Essex at Cranfield University.

Leighton Buzzard Netball Club’s regional team ‘Vipers’ traveled to Essex for their first game of the season to play Eastwood, a team they had beaten last season. Vipers got off to a good start going several goals in front, but Eastwood upped their tempo towards the end of the first quarter and went into the interval with a 7 goal lead. Vipers started the second quarter well, with some lovely attacking play by new Leighton Buzzard signing Carly Yeomans at GA, but Eastwood were too strong at the other end, and added another 3 to their lead, with the score at 25-15 at half time. Viper’s coach Marj Ellis made some positional changes at half time which worked well, but Eastwood were now settled into the game and cruising towards a victory. The game finished 51-29 in favour of the home team, and Vipers must now regroup ready for their local derby next weekend against Team Beds. Sally King was named the player of the match, by both teams.