The first action of 2017 in the Honiton Netball League saw the top two Division One sides in action, writes Graham Ingram.

When Hi Q and Flamingos met earlier in the season Hi Q won a close encounter by two goals and, given that no one has got the better of them so far, went into the game looking to maintain their unbeaten record.

Hi Q made a flying start to the contest and raced into a 6-2 lead. With Jaz Chester in fine form they reached halfway sporting a 9-6 advantage.

In the third period it was all change as Flamingos rallied. Driven on by the excellent Katie Corbin, they turned things round to begin the final quarter 15-11 in front.

Hi Q hit back in that final quarter, but Flamingos dug deep to record a thrilling single goal win at 19-18.

It all means that the season-long Hi Q unbeaten run is ended and the two teams swap places in the table with Flamingos now the table-toppers by virtue of having a better goal difference!

When Otters and Toucans Chicks met earlier in the season the Chicks came out on top, but this time it was the Otters who gained their revenge with a 36-22 victory thanks to a fine display from Tracey Moran.

Zoe Kidson was the star for the Chicks.

HNC Hot Shots made it a seasons double over Signs South West with Lucy Bekswinka playing well in their 34-27 win, while Holly Loader turned in a good performance for SSW.

The final game of the night saw Ford and Pentecost Panthers beat Howden Hawks for the second time this campaign, but with Hawks doing enough to gain a point from their 25-18 defeat thanks to some good play from Bea Bandyszewska. Sara Pearce was the pick of the Panthers.

Latest tables.

Division One P GD Pts

Flamingos 10 240 28

Hi Q 10 215 28

Sidmouth Toucan Chicks 8 111 18

Otters 8 31 17

HNC Hot Shots 9 -57 17

Ford & Pentecost Panthers 9 -58 14

Howden Hawks 9 -295 2

Signs South West 9 -187 -2*

*SSW deducted six points for not fulfilling fixtures

Division Two P GD Pts

Sidmouth Toucans 9 93 25

Tip Top Trees 9 47 25

Blackdown 9 74 23

Otter Valley 9 62 19

JD Tyres 9 -4 12

Beer Blazers 9 -53 11

Pixies 9 -98 10

Swaggermamas 9 -121 10