Purnell Sports Netball Club's Minstrels were keen and ready for their first match of the season against Robins in sunny Bruton.

With a lean number of seven, Midsomer Norton-based Minstrels knew they had to preserve their energy and prevent any injuries happening during the game.

As a new team with players who were unfamiliar with each others' play, the first quarter was inconsistent, SJ Eyles (GS) and Lily Burgess (GA) were getting to grips with how each other played as it was the first time playing with one another.

However, it was clear by the end of the first quarter that SJ and Lily were playing beautifully together, with SJ holding her player solidly and Lily performing some great rotations around the D.

Although Minstrels lost the first quarter, they came out fighting in the second quarter with Dawn Heal (WD) and Jemma Plummer (WA) making some incredible interceptions and putting immense pressure on the opposition.

The Minstrels pulled back in the second quarter by three points, but they were still losing. It was clear they needed to ace the third quarter, which they did.

Charis Saunders-Prouse (C) was passing some great balls into the D allowing Lily and SJ to work harmoniously with another to sink the ball into the net.

As a result of this, Minstrels had pulled ahead of Robins and were now leading by two points going into the fourth quarter.

With both Charis and Emma Weskin (GD) playing in the previous match for Purnells' first team, Harlequins, they showed no sign of tiredness and pushed on to strive for the win Minstrels desperately wanted.

The defence unit worked immaculately with Dawn putting some serious pressure on any passes going into the shooting D.

Laura Snook (GK) consistently throughout the game made great tips and interceptions, stopping the ball from getting to the GS at every opportunity.

Emma and Laura worked very well together, calling great switches in the D, allowing them both to get remarkable interceptions.

Their hard work was recognised by all after Emma received Player of the Match and Laura received Players' Player.

Minstrels' tactics in the final quarter were to use the three seconds wisely and to keep possession of the ball, using any reset options to ensure they stayed ahead of the Robins.

Luckily, this paid off along with the determination and fight Minstrels put up which lead to Minstrels' first win of the season with a nail-biting score of 21-17.

Overall, the players were thrilled with the result and bonded well as the new Minstrels team, they look forward to playing together in the season ahead.