The Bracknell Netball League began again after a long winter break on a freezing cold Saturday morning.

All teams took a while to get going, but after the first few goals it was business as normal.

Division 4 leaders Royals U14 faced third-placed Binfield Juniors in what was always going to be a tough match.

It started well for both teams with Binfield playing what turned out to be their best quarter of the match and capitalising on Royals starting minus a player.

Binfield were getting used to having two B-team players in their side, but soon settled down and the team started to work well together.

Unfortunately frozen fingers led to a number of unforced errors from Binfield, while Royals upped their game and ignored the weather.

Almost every goal was being scored with centre thanks to some fast, accurate passing from both teams.

At half-time the score was 18-17 to the Royals who had made up a two-goal deficit and nosed in front.

In the third quarter Binfield became more determined and the central court players worked hard to get the ball out of defence and into the circle.

However, Royals’ defence were able to apply more pressure and increased their lead to 27-24.

Both teams lost some focus in the final quarter, but Binfield drew back to level and it became anyone’s game wtih all shooters on form as the game ended 31-31.

Binfield chose Royals’ GA as their man of the match and their opponents chose Binfield’s Sophie Cox.

In Division 1 bottom-placed Woodley Ansons played a depleted Kinara team.

A number of defensive turnovers and accurate shooting by the Woodley shooters lead to a 13-4 lead at quarter time. Kinara were back to a full team after the break and the second quarter was more even.

Woodley dominated in the third and continued to extend their lead for the remainder of the match with smooth play up the court and accurate shooting. The final score was 44-24, giving Woodley three very important points.

In Division 2, Woodley’s second team – the Spitfires, also had a successful day as they took on Panasonic.

The match started evenly, but Woodley broke away in the third quarter leaving the more experienced Panasonic players unable to catch up.

The final score was 34-11 to Woodley with Panasonic choosing Woodley’s WD Zoe Poole as the player of the match.

In Division 3 top-placed Wokingham Rubies faced Chequers determined to notch three points after their first loss just before the mid-season break.

Rubies took the lead from the start and dominated throughout.

Chequers closed the gap slightly during the third quarter, but Rubies kept on playing hard and emerged 52-23 winners to hang on to the top spot. They chose Chequers’ WA as their player of the match.

In the same division, second-placed Woodley Tempest needed a win to keep the pressure on Rubies.

They took on Wokingham Stars and soon created an early lead, which they held throughout.

Despite some impressive turnovers and interceptions from Stars, Woodley’s age and experience saw the lead widen every quarter.

The final score was 48-22 to Woodley, creating a hat-trick of wins and a successful morning for their club.