THE inaugural South West Dorset Netball Indoor League has been hailed a success by its chair Louise Bugler.

The league, designed to fill the gap between the winter and summer seasons, was the brainchild of Juliette Frampton.

Bugler said: “The indoor league has been another opportunity to showcase female sport for all, not just the fitness and well-being aspect, but the willingness from our volunteers.

“It has also been an opportunity for the challengers in the lower divisions to go head-to-head with top-flight teams.”

The combination of playing indoors and not having to battle the elements, as well as varsity rules, led to some fierce encounters between teams who would not normally meet in the regular outdoor league.

Newly-promoted JD Wetherspoon gave experienced Premiership side New Body Fitness a closely-fought game, only losing in the final few minutes.

An inter-club fixture between OTC and Stika saw the former come out on top by just one goal – both teams will lock horns in Division Two next season.

Formally known as Weysports, the young Café Oasis team came up against Premiership opposition in three of their four matches.

Supported by strong performances from Lucy Fennell and Tasha Lund, the side demonstrated potential to challenge for top honours in Division Two next term.

Sharp shooting from Carrie Dench and Charlotte Reid, and the return of defensive pairing Emily Park and Sian Parsons, kept league regulars Bay Publishing competitive.

Premiership stalwarts New Body Fitness and Fitness World Weymouth also demonstrated the versatility of their players.

Kirsty Winning, Nicky Marsh and Becky Cousens regularly found the net for Fitness World when asked to take up shooting positions.

Waterside triumphed in the final match of the league against Fitness World after both had gone into the clash boasting 100 per cent records.

Commenting on the league, organiser Frampton said: “I’m delighted that the indoor league has been a success.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to Alison Frampton, Laura Gardner and Kevin Frampton, and Redlands for hosting the league.”