RAYCHEM charged back from an early deficit to claim a narrow 43-40 victory away at Plymouth Marjon.

The hosts stormed out the blocks and were quickly five goals ahead thanks to athletic play and accurate shooting, but Raychem were able to regroup at the end of the first quarter as coach Mo Squires made some adjustments to her defence.

Jenny Gray was switched into the shooting circle and her strong positional play, combined with some accurate feeding from Hayley Reeve and Lisa Kellett, ensured Raychem stopped the rot to draw the second period.

A further switch from Squires saw the tenacious Natalie Pepperall move into the Raychem defensive circle and the long-armed Hayley Lawrence play on the wing to try and break down Marjon’s attack.

Sadly Gray had to leave the court due to injury during this quarter and was replaced by Sam Parker.

The intensity of the match continued to increase as Plymouth were hungry for the points, however, so were Raychem and with the inspiring Kelly Morgan dominating the Raychem attack, the visitors won the third quarter by 10 goals to take a slender overall lead into the final session.

Raychem worked hard in the final quarter and gave Marjon no time on the ball while continuing to take the ball through the court and create shooting opportunities.

Keeper Claire Baverstock marshalled the visiting defence superbly to ensure that the previously-effective Marjon shooter played only a bit-part role in the final 15 minutes to secure a narrow win for Raychem.

Elsewhere, Raychem B drew with Pinehurst, the C team lost to Lawn and Raychem E beat Raychem F.

Abbey Meads B were two goals down to Nationwide C at half-time but fought back.

The teams were level at the end of the third quarter and Abbey went on to triumph by a 29-23 margin.