Borders District 34-20 Arrows

Dragons 59-08 Hawks

Gala 16-16 Tweeddale Tigers

Bullets 39-17 Hotshots

Jets 39-10 Pumas

AFTER a full programme of matches on the first league day of the new season, the Stobo Castle sponsored Dragons put on a commanding performance, seeing off most challenges from newly formed Hawks, to top the league table on goal difference.

The new season’s league was officially opened by Peebles Netball new S1 captain, Abbie Sorrell bringing on the match ball for the Borders District vs Arrows game. With captain of the Arrows, shooter Alana Craigmile, out of action with a fractured wrist sustained in training, underdogs Borders took their chance to create an upset and were rewarded with a convincing final scoreline following a close start.

The Gala versus Tweeddale Tigers match was a thriller, with the lead changing hands throughout and the final draw at 16 goals apiece, a just result for both teams.

The Bullets lived up to their name and took Hotshots by surprise by their speed on court and the standard of shooting. Fast improving and now emerging as a major force to be reckoned with was West Linton’s Eilidh Cannon in shooter, with captain Bryony Patterson and Rachel Forsyth in particular producing a dominant defence making it very difficult for the Hotshots attack to penetrate.

The final match went largely Jets way, their hard work in training and new signings, including ex Scotland U23 player Neve Mclean, improving their performance significantly since last season. Newly formed Pumas were left looking dishevelled at times, with flow of play missing, but much promise of some improved scorelines as the season progresses and the individual players gel.

The next league fixtures will be played on Sunday, September 20 at Peebles High School. Three matches are scheduled: Gala take on the Bullets, Pumas face Tweeddale Tigers, and league leaders the Dragons play the Jets. Action starts at 5.15pm.