UCLan’s Netball club got off to a promising start on Wednesday, with wins for the 1st and 3rd teams.

The 1st team secured an impressive win away at Lancaster, coming through a tough test to pick up a 44 –31 win.

The opposition started strong and gained a four point lead early on but shooters Gemma Bamford and Georgina Farrer managed to pull the score back to 25-14 at the end of the second quarter.

Goal attack, Bamford, was awarded player of the match by the opposition.

Emma Brown, 1st team captain, was thrilled with the result, and explained her aims for the season.

She said: “My dream for this season would be to be promoted again and if we work hard that should be achievable.”

The success didn’t stop there, though, as the 3rd team won at home to Lancaster, giving the girls a much needed confidence boost.

Goal keeper, Frances See, made vital interceptions that helped secure UCLan’s lead.

Player of the match Rachael Haslem made a strong start to the year by shooting consistently well throughout the match.

With the score 15-8 at half time, the opposition were beginning to pull the score back.

But the girls dominated the last quarter by keeping the majority of possession, and wrapped up a 37-22 win.

The 2nd team, playing in a higher league this season, were out of action, after their opening match against Liverpool Hope was postponed.

Nonetheless, team captain Sophie Mortimore has high hopes for her players, and believes they can raise their game to higher levels this year.

She said: “I definitely look forward to it, it will be a challenge but I have a lot of confidence in my team.”