TOP Andover netball club, FM Eclipse have made an excellent start to their league campaigns with wins in all games so far this year.

Last season was the club’s most successful ever. They were crowned Andover and District Netball League (ADNL) Division 1 and 2 champions for the second successive season – the first club to ever achieve this – and their top squad also won the challenging Premier Division of the Basingstoke Netball League. Concurrently, the newly formed Hampshire County League was a valuable learning experience for players who grew in confidence throughout the season.

With a redirecting of priorities in the spring, the refocused players won the popular Patsy Bye Charity tournament.

So impressed were Box-It, FM’s main sponsor, they generously agreed to provide additional kit in order for the club to accommodate the influx of new players.

Following a 32-24 win in freezing temperatures and pouring rain against Perins Panthers in the first match of the year, FM retained their place at the top of the Basingstoke Premier league.

In the Hampshire County League, they have had two hard-fought wins against extremely tough opposition.

In their initial County match against Dreams, FM dominated the first quarter, generating a lead which they then held throughout the match, with the final score a convincing 44-30 win.

The second game against Tongham Thunder was closer as Tongham travelled to Wellington Academy with a large squad which included some Regional players, but with some excellent shooting from FM’s top goal scorer Jo Score, they had their noses in front after the first quarter. They didn’t have it all their own way though, the lead continually changing until the dying seconds, when Tongham had the opportunity to level the game with 20 seconds on the clock, but the pressure was too much for their shooter as FM gathered up the rebound to secure a 44-43 win.

Both of these results have led to FM being in third place in the Hampshire County League tables.

When asked about the secret to their continued success, club coach Kathryn Evans said: “Focused training, improved fitness and players’ greater awareness of different tactical styles of play have all played their part.

Importantly, player morale and team spirit is at an all-time high. Our players work really hard for each other, on and off the court. It’s a great atmosphere to operate in.”

Team captain Laura White said: “The strength in depth that we now have in the club has ensured that we can consistently perform at the required standard.”