PANTHERS kept their Division II promotion push on track in the Avon Netball League with a 46-38 victory over second-placed Brandons.

The consistent shooting of Brandons' goal attack Liz Jones gave them a 13-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Brandon started the second quarter with the same pace and conviction. Then Panthers found their rhythm. Long passes across the circle between Panthers' wing attack Catherine Cornford and centre Sarah Cleverley allowed their shooters to move into better positions and kept the defence wrong-footed.

This together with Brandons' shooters loss of accuracy allowed Panthers to gradually pull ahead 23-18 at half-time.

The third quarter was fast and furious with every ball being fiercely contested. Both defences played well with some brilliant interceptions. Brandon managed to hold their own but were unable to reduce the deficit. Panthers were still leading 33-28 at the end of the quarter.

Despite scoring some quick goals at the beginning of the final quarter, and so reducing the lead Brandon were unable to sustain the effort.

Panthers kept up the pressure right to the final whistle and so ran our easy winners.

Players of the match were Panthers' Sarah Hewitt and Brandons' Liz McCallum.

Panthers: Rachel Potter, Anne-Marie Layet, Catherine Cornford, Sarah Cleverley, Jacqui Buss, Kelly Saunders, Sarah Hewitt, Kelly Thomas

Brandon: Georgie Deverill, Liz Jones, Amy Beamish, Jackie Power, Cally Preece, Liz McCallum, Louise Clark