Last updated 19:29, Thursday, 04 December 2008

WITH Christmas just around the corner the Workington Neteball League is getting in the festive spirit with a Christmas-themed fancy dress match against the male managers from Sainsbury’s at Cockermouth.

The event is at Moorclose Sports Centre, Workington, on December 15 at 7.40pm, and is open to all league members and the general public.

Vice-chairman Kirsty Caine said: “Although the match will be the main event, there will be a variety of fund-raising activities taking place in the bar. It should be a good night.”

All money raised will be spilt between Cancer Research and the Youth Workers at Cockermouth.

Salterbeck 11

Sparks 10

This closely contested match started evenly but it was Salterbeck, who were first to settle into a rhythm taking the lead early on with some exceptional long-range shooting efforts from their GA, Rachel Carter.

However, after a motivating quarter-time pep talk a more lively Sparks upped the tempo, making the score level at the end of the second quarter.

After half-time Sparks enjoyed the bulk of the possession with long periods camped out in the Salterbeck defending circle, but despite their best efforts the strong defending from Salterbeck’s captain Ros Smart kept the shooters largely at bay.

Decisive break-away play and the continued ability of the shooters to capitalise on opportunities saw Salterbeck eventually inch ahead to take the match.

Seaton Ladies 10

Pink Ladies 16

This was a hotly contested game with only one goal separating the teams until a strong final quarter from Pink Ladies.

Both teams defended well, making life difficult for the shooters, and this was highlighted by low scoring in the early stages.

Louise Blacklock, Pink Ladies GD, was outstanding, not only making some vital interceptions but also controlling the play going forward.

Seaton Ladies captain Emily Wood said: “It was a great game to be part of, played in the right spirit, with a fast-paced and competitive edge.”

Misfits 29

Striking Candy 7

This game started slowly with both teams taking a while to get into their stride.

Misfits began to take the lead with some accurate and confident shooting from Linzi Walker-Taylor but at the end of the first quarter it was still a very low-scoring game at 6-2 to Misfits.

Striking Candy defended well, with Viki Usher being awarded player of the match, but Misfits' experience became evident as the goal difference widened.

Ashfield 16

Yankees 26

This game started quickly with some fast passing into the circle from Gemma Robinson to her sister, Lynsey McCvay.

Ashfield were defending and shooting well and this game was becoming a well-matched one. The first quarter ended a close 7-5 to Yankees.

However, in the second quarter Yankees upped their pace and extended their lead despite Ashfield keeping the pressure on with some outstanding defending from Sarah Scott and Shelley Coid, which Pauline Chorley, Ashfield’s captain, said kept them in the game.

In the final quarter Yankees started to pull away from Ashfield, although the score did not reflect how well Ashfield attacked and defended the game.

Yankees captain Kerry Hodson said: “This was an enjoyable game. I was very impressed by Ashfield’s defending, especially Scott and Coid. They have improved immensely this season.”

Fletchers 21

Red Sox 11

A very fast start to this game saw both teams finding it hard to retain possession but Fletchers managed to eventually take an early lead with some accurate passing into the circle, converted into goals by Ami Jones.

Although Red Sox are a new team to the league they showed fight and determination once they got into their stride.

Fletchers picked up their game in response to the tight score line and this was mirrored by Red Sox, especially Keri Dryden at C, who was always on her toes and with the shooters scoring some well-deserved goals.

In the final quarter Fletchers were desperate for the win so the defenders dug deep and, with some accurate centre court play from WD Karen Stoddart, Fletchers were able to extend their lead.

Fletchers captain Sue Jones said: “We have had a slow start to the season with various team changes but have managed to get some continuity now and we worked well to secure this win.”