Promotion hunt is over for Wildcats

Wildcats, from left: Lisa Coppins-Brown, Donna Fall, Sasha Chamberlain, Kirsten Osgood, Chris Weaver, Dee Parker and Nic Bailey. Missing from picture: Alex Erskine and Rachel Teal

They have often been knocking on the door but on each occasion found the jump just out of reach.

That was until now. And Rachel Teal has been a key factor in the team realising their goal.

The coach was brought in to liven things up after much hard work and organisation from Wildcats manager and captain Dee Parker.

Teal saw potential in young player Sasha Chamberlain – bringing her in as a shooter.

And with her great movement and positioning, the tide began to turn.

Parker said: ‘Nic Bailey has moved to wing-attack and works really well with myself in mid-court.

‘Kirsten Osgood, as wing-defence works tirelessly and our goal-keeper, Lisa Coppins-Brown, has made a big difference to our defending circle.

‘She makes some incredible interceptions and partnered with Rachel Teal, not a lot gets past them.

‘Promotion was a double celebration for me as I’ve just celebrated my 40th as well.’

Wildcats beat Fareham Fireflies 33-25 – with Bailey getting the players’ player award.

Sydney Warren, playing in defence for Fireflies, made a few good interceptions with her great eye for the ball.

Gosport Borough TML, also up for promotion, beat Misfits 39-29.

Captain Debbie Woods was out on court for this game and her shooting was superb.

Sam Ward, for Misfits, also had a good game in the opposite circle – not missing much.

But the defence of TML took most of the rebounds and sent them back up court to their own goal.

NATS beat Pumas 46-34. Goal-attack Lauren Dixon worked well with her attack moving the ball into the circle.

United Services Harriers endured a tough game against T&A Trojans as they lost 46-15.

Liz Aerosmith was named as their players’ player as she never gave up watching for any break from Trojans to take possession of the ball.

It’s still all to play for in division four. Gosport Borough Stars suffered their second loss as Blackjacks, who are growing stronger with each game, claimed a 44-40 success.

Captain Annika Vincent made a successful return from injury, while Rachel Tanner was strong at centre and Donna Jackson took every interception she could.

Gosport Gators Gold, sitting second, beat a subdued Fareham Vixens 39-31.

Vixens only seemed to shine in the last quarter – scoring nearly half their goals during the last 15 minutes.

Young talent Megan Wallace was players’ player with some incredible shooting.

Devils lost 44-40 to Gosport Gators Black. Poppy Hudson and Charlotte Ward scored an amazing 14 goals.