IT was Somerset League knock-out cup action at the weekend with four of Galmington’s teams involved, three of them progressing to the quarter final stages of their respective cups.

Hovelands travelled to fellow Premier Division opponents Sapphires in the Kenyon Cup and made a strong start with Kelly Sully controlling the centre court, while goalkeeper Sophie Hooley was also in good form restricting the home attack.

Leading 19-12 after the first quarter Hovelands extended their lead with Nicky Towell taking full advantage of the scoring opportunities allowing Hovelands to reach half-time with a comfortable 40-25 advantage.

Although they relaxed in the second half knowing they had done enough, they always had plenty in hand to progress with a 65-55 win.

Undefeated Division One leaders Claremont faced the toughest of tasks in the same competition when they visited Babylon of Yeovil who had won all their Premier Division matches this season.

The match started evenly but Babylon began to get on top and opened a four-goal lead at the end of the first period.

In defence Jaz Chester (GD) and Laura Preece (WD) were constantly breaking up the Babylon attack and Claremont were still very much in the low-scoring contest at half-time although they trailed 18-11.

Unfortunately the Yeovil team brought on several pairs of fresh legs after the break and pulled away but Claremont had the better of the final quarter and, despite going down 33-20, put in a very creditable performance against the Premier Division title favourites.

In the Sydenham Cup Queensway proved far too strong for Tor of Glastonbury as they dominated from start to finish.

Having built an 18-7 first quarter lead they extended this to 34-11 at the halfway stage with Scarlett Scott-Collins particularly impressive at goal defence. Queensway continued to play excellent netball in the second half to complete a comprehensive victory by 65 goals to 28.

Comeytrowe are also through to the quarter finals of the Sydenham Cup but their victory against Wells side Canons was a much closer affair.

There was nothing to choose between the teams in the first quarter which Comeytrowe just edged 7-6 before excellent work in defence from Jacqui Manning resulted in Comeytrowe opening up a 17-11 half-time lead.

An experienced Canons side, which contained several players who have played at a higher level, put pressure on Comeytrowe in the next period but the young side held firm and led 23-17 going into the last fifteen minutes.

As expected Canons rallied in the last quarter and enjoyed most of the possession but Comeytrowe defended brilliantly to hold on and deservedly go through to the next round, winning 26-24.