Local teams had mixed success at the first week of the Regional League competition held at Brunel University, Middlesex on 20th September.

In Division 1 AquilaTel took on the Lewisham based netball club Raiders. The two teams were happy to give their account of the match which AquilaTel won 48-29.

Cathy Hickey of AquilaTel explained, "We had a new combination of players out for the first game. Retirees from last season's Premier 2 AquilaTel team along with two mum returnees' played well and their court experience was much in evidence.

"It was an even match until half time... however the greater athleticism, more accurate shooting, experience and fewer mistakes allowed AquilaTel to pull away to a healthy win in the second half."

Raiders approached the first match of the new season on the Regional League with much confidence and expected to give AquilaTel a very good game.

Michaela Emanus said, "Everything started off very well and the game was very close up to the end of the second quarter with AquilaTel leading 21-19.

"The club was still in contention when disaster struck for Raiders early in the 3rd quarter with a serious injury to Tola our strong shooting Goal Attack.

"With our main shooter already missing, we had to change the team around but there was a total collapse with Raiders only able to score 3 goals in the third quarter from only 4 opportunities. Things did not really improve. Our heads went down, confidence in self and others evaporated and AquilaTel finally won the match 48-29.

"Raiders have now to go back to the drawing board to look at how to cope more effectively when the unexpected occurs. We hope that lessons will be learnt and that the team will come back stronger in the return match. Well done to AquilaTel!"

In Division Two, Telstars faced Surrey based Hillcrest. Telstars hoped to benefit from the opportunity to gain experience and develop the strength and skills of their younger players. Cathy Hickey explained, "Telstars team was made up of very young Under19 players and it was a completely new experience for them at this level.

"We had a good start, but Hillcrest fielded players of long standing skill and experience.

"The match was well contested in the first half, but with team changes in the third quarter, Telstars lost their edge and Hillcrest pulled away to an unassailable lead; although the Telstars youngsters did achieve a more successful fourth quarter score. Hillcrest took the points by winning 51-42".

Other local teams in action at the Regional league included Comets who lost to Essex based Leighton. The Region's top teams next meet on 4th October in Surrey. The clubs meet in Kent at Rainham Girls School on 1st November.

Full results, league tables and fixtures will be available at www.londonandsoutheastnetball.co.uk