WATFORD Premier travelled to Dudley on Sunday, September 30, for a tricky national league fixture and despite showing some promising signs, were eventually outplayed, going down 59-38.

Four newcomers were brought in to bolster the squad and Nikki-Belcher Brown, Andrea Ross, Bridget Beardsley and Clare Doherty all impressed on their debuts.

However, Dudley started the stronger and confined Watford to only six shots in the opening period tot race into a 13-6 lead.

Andrea Ross entered the fray for Watford at wing attack and added pace and vision to the side as Premier more than doubled their attempts on target and by half-time trailed by 28-16.

Watford's lack of experience was beginning to show though and Dudly continued to dominate in the third quarter to take a 47-26 lead.

However, Watford fought back well and matched Dudley in the final quarter as the match finished 59-38.

* Meanwhile, the South West Herts netball league has started again with Crossfields and Gadeside both picking up impressive opening day victories.

Flames also made a good start to the season with a hard-fought 45-40 win against Gadeside Seconds.

Results:

Division One: Crossfields 41 Decorum Police 28, Leaford Jets 30 Gadeside 55, SAS 24 Crossfields Seconds 32.

Division Two: Colne Valley 44 Watford Premier 46, Flames 45 Gadeside Seconds 40, Kingsbury Seconds 23 White Lion 36, Computer Centre 18 Kingsbury 19.