Victory is the icing on the cake for a local netball team! (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Victory is the icing on the cake for a local netball team!

BUOYED up by three consecutive wins, the Cirencester hosts began last weekend's netball match against the Tigers in a positive spirit.

Last weekend's encounter was bound to be a close one as the Tigers were only one point behind Cirencester C team in the league table.

With the score of 9-8 in favour of Town at the end of the first quarter, this was fully reflected.

The goal-shooting double of GA Philippa Martinez and GS Jenny Weaven, who were accurate, were ably supported by WA Rachel Gentil - in a new position and earning player of the match - and C Hayley Wilson, controlling the centre passes as though she played there every week.

The defence team of Kate Crook, Liz Brown, Hannah Potter and Jenny Webb all applied excellent pressure, especially in the second quarter.

Their efforts meant that only four goals were conceded, and so the home team began to inch away to 18-12 lead at half-time.

Due to team changes by Town, the opposition clawed their way back into the match in the third quarter, and were only 21-24 behind as GS Rachel wavered in her shooting accuracy.

However, GA Philippa continued to keep her nerve as the match became a head-to-head clash between her and the opposition's excellent shooter. Jenny Webb also had an excellent spell as WA.

The match continued at a fast and furious pace with the result - 31-30 - only decided in Cirencester's favour at the final whistle.

And the local team duly celebrated their success by eating Jenny Webb's 18th birthday cake!