Chandler's Ford, the unpredictable netball team, have been going for 30 years, and are all ladies who have grown up together as a team.

They train, (or should we say they are seen to have a good old natter before training) on a Wednesday night at the sports centre in Southampton.

Saturday's fixture for Chandler's Ford was against Home James Juniors and, from the outset, it was a very close game with experience working against youth.

There were not many mistakes made and, when they were, both teams made use of their opponents' lapse in concentration to rack up the points.

With the half-time score 21-21, the next two quarters were vital for Chandler's Ford to stamp their authority on the game.

This they did, and finished the third quarter leading by six goals.

The last quarter contained excellent play from both teams and, with the shooters from either side scoring well, Chandler's Ford just managed to extend their lead, with the final score 44-35 in their favour.

LET'S MEET THE TEAM:

Carol Husain - The longest-serving member and still a determined lady playing centre who always gives her opponent a good game. Her daughter is now playing for another team and they support each other every week. Carol also enjoys charity work in her spare time.

Karen Sheath - Team captain who has played in the team for 16 years. Known as HOT SHOT in the circle as goal shooter, the team say she never does as she is told and can be quite funny with the communication that goes on while playing the game. Karen believes that a good performance from the team is needed in order to win the game. If they do lose, she says, it is not a problem, they will always bounce back

Maggie Parsons - Known as BIONIC because she has broken her ankle twice but still keeps jumping and running around the court as wing attack. She is not keen on wet weather and likes all sports, especially badminton, as it is played indoors

Kim Gillett - The player known as LITTLE KIM shows plenty of heart as goal attack. Husband John, who never comes to watch, knows he will get his ears bashed whenever Kim needs to talk to him about the games. We think, deep down, he is pleased that the Chandler's Ford team get on so well and in his heart is a true supporter. Kim is very giggly and loves to go to London shopping and to the theatre.

Karen Martin - Recently returned after having 18 months off. Karen, married to Paul, decided to have a baby and take time out, but she has never let the team down in her defence role.

Marianne Foster - The high flyer of the team - always on holiday and enjoying herself, always laughing. Her motto is: be happy and enjoy life

Jan Gay - Newest member of the team. The team needed a tall defence player so when Jan said she would join, she was slotted in as a goal keeper. Has fitted in well

Barbara Ralph - Jubilee mum - and best supporter, always ready to take the money as she is treasurer. Very highly thought of and will never let the team down. Always ready to give the team a motherly talk at half-time. Has tried to retire twice but has enjoyed coming back in as a sub when needed.

Geraldine Pringle - Very passionate and determined lady who wants to win and is very good at calming the team down, especially in the centre court, and does some brilliant intercepting, and has recently taken up golf, a much more stress-free game - she thinks!

READ CLARE EGERTON'S NUTS ABOUT NETBALL PAGE EVERY WEDNESDAY IN THE DAILY ECHO.