The Evening Post's report on Saturday's game

BOTH Bristol Banners and Bristol & West and were anxious for a win to bolster their promotion chances from Division IX.

But Bristol Banners came out on top and increased their chances of taking the division title.

1. ​
   Bristol Banners attackers, in lilac, compete against the Bristol & West goal defence during the Division XI encounter at the weekend

Both teams were determined to stamp their authority on the game and each quickly scored a goal.

Bristol Banners brought the ball down the court with speed, but the close marking of Bristol & West defence caused them to falter.

Due to Bristol Banners tight all-court marking Bristol & West had trouble building any fluid attack. The shooters were unable to attain advantageous positions for scoring.

With Bristol Banners goalkeeper Lizza Mitchell and Bristol & West goal defence Celia Beale making many spectacular interceptions, the ball sped from one end of the court to the other. In the final few minutes of the quarter, Bristol Banners goals began to drop and they went into the break leading by 8-3.

Bristol & West came out strongly, and with some sharp netball, quickly reduced the lead by scoring three quick goals. Then Bristol Banners tightened up their game and with fast accurate passes, good positioning and consistent shooting they managed to slowly increase their lead.

This unsettled Bristol & West and though the defence worked tirelessly they were unable to retain possession in the centre court with passes going astray or being intercepted. At half time Bristol Banners had stretched their advantage to a significant 17-8 lead. Bristol Banners continued where they left off passing the ball around with speed and precision and scoring freely. Realising that they had nothing to lose, Bristol & West became more focused and started chasing every ball.

With crisper passing, especially around the attacking circle, and more consistent shooting they slowly began to claw their way back into the game. At the end of the third quarter Bristol Banners were leading 21-16.

In the final quarter, Bristol & West put up a good challenge, but nerves got to them and play became erratic. Bristol Banners solid play kept saw them slowly pull even further ahead. Though Bristol & West rallied in the final few minutes they were unable to make a significant impact.