Laura stars in win over Academy Steel

FUSION Group produced a stunning final quarter to seal a 53-41 victory over Academy Steel in the Newbury League Steiner Premier Division.

There was nothing to choose between the sides throughout an entertaining game.

Fusion led 11-9 after the first period and 24-22 at half-time.

Academy narrowed the gap to 35-34 but then superb shooting from GS Emma Debois and best player GA Laura Byrne saw Fusion pull away.

Cricketts just had the edge over long-standing rivals Tadley Witches, clinching a 54-50 victory.

Cricketts held a narrow 28-26 lead at half-time, and, despite Tadley’s defensive duo, Verity Lemm and Jasmin Wrigley, making spectacular interceptions Carol Green sneaked in a crucial goal just as the third quarter ended to leave the score at 42-40.

Witches hit back to level at 47-47 before Cricketts pulled away to seal the points.

Best players were Kathryn Parr for Cricketts and Jenna Wrigley for Tadley.

Newbury 4x4 Centre proved too strong for Vipers, winning 40-25.

Newbury started strongly and led 14-7 after the first quarter.

Newbury’s best player Kelly Thorne, operating as GA, showcased impeccable shooting accuracy alongside GS Helen Hedley-Smith.

They moved 31-18 ahead after the third period before holding on for an impressive win.

Academy Sky outgunned rivals Academy Royals 56-46.

Royals took an 11-10 first-quarter lead, but Sky came out flying in the second quarter with some fantastic interceptions Molly Hale GK and best player Gemma Forte.

Sky powered into a 27-19 lead at half-time and they maintained that advantage throughout a competitive second half.

Robinson Foods outgunned Brights 40-29.

Best player for Robinsons was Bella Castle, while Amy Tomlin took the plaudits for Brights.

Academy Sapphires powered to a 75-41 victory over Azego in Division 1.

Sapphires led 36-20 at half-time and didn’t take their foot off the gas after the break.

Mandy Williams (Azego GK) and Lynsey Marshall (Sapphire’s WA) were awarded best players.

Eclipse pipped Hungerford Extras 40-39 in a thrilling clash.

Eclipse player of the match GA Jess Chitty helped her side into a 20-18 half-time lead, but in the final quarter Extras hit back with Helen Carpenter outstanding, only to just run out of time.

Altair Media lost 23-50 Academy Juniors, while Honesty Group beat Hungerford Scarlett’s 41-19.

Honesty led from the start and were 22-10 up at half-time before cruising home.

Best players were Kerensa Head for Scarlett’s and Gemma Laidlaw for Honesty.