WORCESTERSHIRE preserved their place in Division Two of the English Counties Netball League with a 52-45 victory over North Durham.

They went into the game at Prince Henry's High School, Evesham against their fellow relegation strugglers after an eight-game losing streak with their place hanging by a thread.

Worcestershire brought in veteran goal attack Karen Moore and also introduced Julie Round at wing attack.

Worcestershire started better and were soon 4-1 up. This dominance continued throughout the first quarter which ended with a 14-6 lead. The North Durham defence was frustrated at not being able to intercept passes to tall goal shooter Rachel Smith.

In the second quarter Worcestershire maintained their scoring rate but North Durham had greater success with their attacking opportunities, leaving the score 29-16 at half-time.

North Durham introduced a new goal attack at half time and made the most of her shooting opportunities as they reduced the deficit to 38-30.

Worcestershire replaced Round with Carrie Fearby and Jo Brennan took over from Dawn Burford at goal keeper for a very close-fought final quarter. Brennan managed to tip a number of North Durham passes into the circle away from danger.

North Durham carried on where they had left off in the third quarter by maintaining their scoring but Worcestershire made more of their attacking opportunities to stay with them. A final winning margin of seven goals enabled Worcestershire to blow a huge sigh of relief at the end.

The under 18s won their match 36-32 but the U16s went down 29-22.