Latest Isle of Man Netball league results from games played on Sunday, October 25:

Premier Division

Suntera Global Ballasalla Alpha 28, Thompson Travel 1 - 24

In what promised to be a close game, both sides were keen to get off to a good start but it was Thompson that got on the scoreboard first with calm shooting from Anne-Marie Crompton.

Suntera Ballasalla Alphas failed to convert their first centre pass which Thompson capitalised on, resulting in Balla finding themselves two down in the early stages of the game. As both teams found their rhythm and began to settle, Sarah Vorster at WA for Balla made some good drives to receive the ball on the circle edge. Similarly at the opposite end, Ella Crowe worked hard to get the ball into the Thompson attackers.

There was end-to-end action with Alpha’s defensive duo of Ciara Jacobs and Ella Carridge making some excellent interceptions to keep Balla within touching distance of Thompson.

At quarter-time, Natalie Wilson-Spratt came off the bench to play WA and there were some great linking moves through the end third with centre Jane Ryder-Clague.

Ballasalla had a run of goals thanks to shooting duo of Annabel Kneale and Kate Williams, but Thompson’s defence kept the pressure on, with Charlotte Christian going for every ball and making life difficult for Ballasalla’s attack.

At half-time the lead had switched but still with only one goal between the two, Ballasalla leading 16-15.

The third period saw a number of unforced errors from both sides as players panicked with the ball, such as forcing a pass instead of finding the easy option.

But Thompson had the upper hand and seemed to find space on court, with Ella Crowe and Fern Christian driving deep into the pockets and working hard around the circle edge which allowed shooter Gabby Divall to convert their chances. The end of the third quarter saw the lead switch once more, this time with the biggest margin yet at 21-19 to Thompson.

The final team talk from coach Ashley Hall gave Ballasalla a renewed energy and they entered the last quarter with determination to succeed, but Thompson were not about to relinquish their lead easily. Emily Rawlins worked hard to stop Balla’s attacking drives and Molly Christian got some crucial interceptions, but with an increased pace from Ballasalla and some turnovers from Balla GD Carridge, the Alphas started to edge ahead.

Rachel Quayle dominated the circle edge and forced Thompson to make some attacking errors while Ballasalla worked hard in all areas of the court, taking care of the ball and offering calm and controlled feeds into the circle with Kneale and Williams converting the shots.

The final score was 28-24 in Ballasalla’s favour, with Carridge earning a well-deserved player of the match award.

Division One

Young Farmers A 20,

Marbree Missfits B 24

Both teams were keen for the win in this match but it was Farmers who took an early lead with some excellent shooting from Nicci Cain (GA) and Sam Curphey (GS) despite pressure from Marbree’s Becky Dunne (GD).

Likewise, at the other end, Farmers’ GD Alice Forster worked tirelessly to intercept passes to Christy Morgan (GA). Marbree found their flow towards the end of the opening period with some great passes down the court as the quarter ended 7-5 to Farmers.

Marbree came back fighting in the second quarter with strong passes in the mid-court by Sammy Bowden and Becky Pate, but Farmers used the full court well allowing them to hold onto a half-time lead of 10-8. Marbree made some changes at the interval, with Anna McChesney moving to GD and Dunne to GS. Despite some impressive defending from Farmers’ Hannah Moore (GK), Marbee were able to change the game with lots of high passes into the circle and the third quarter ended 20-15 to Marbree.

Farmers did not stop fighting in the final quarter, with some great defending from Lottie Moore (C) and the defenders, but this was not enough to stop Marbree extending their lead to 29-20 at the final whistle. Player of the match was awarded to a well-deserved Becky Pate.

Division Two

Manx Gems Emerald 40,

Simcocks Silver Eagles 10

Manx Gems took to the court strongly, making Simcocks’ defence of Kenzie Pizzey (GD) and Rachel Craig (GK) work hard in the circle.

Unfortunately for Simcocks, Manx Gems’ attacking duo of Aailish Kelly and Alisha Fitzgerald were on fire and barely missed a shot as they went into half-time leading 25-7.

A few changes for Simcocks saw Bella Kelsey move into GS coupled with Hannah Skehan at GA who both worked hard to convert goals for Simcocks. Breeshey Gooberman (WD) and Abbie Metcalfe (C) continued to apply pressure throughout the court to turn over the ball, but Gems knew exactly how to work the ball down, comfortably scoring goals.

A great performance of netball from both sides but it was Gems who came away with the win, with player of the match going to their GK, Tori Leece.