WESTSIDE need a final day win over Midrange on Saturday to secure their place in Division Two of the West Midlands Netball League for next season.

The city side handed themselves a lifeline by securing a vital 31-31 draw with second-placed Bournville.

With a starting line up of Debbie Bowdley GK, Steph Snowzell GD, Kayleigh Mumford WD, Rebecca Griffin C, Anna Mulderrig WA, Kerry Amos GA and Harriet Rimmer GS, Westside got off to a strong start, with accurate long-range shots from Amos and Rimmer earning them a convincing 10-6 score at quarter-time.

No team changes enabled Westside to really start capitalising on their lead with the defensive unit of Bowdley, player-of-the-match Snowzell and Mumford dominating any space, forcing errors and turnovers.

Injury saw Mulderrig forced off court and replaced by Harriet Major.

A really strong defence was vital for Westside to maintain their lead. This was delivered throughout the whole court from attack through to defence, enabling the lead of two to be held at 3/4 time, 25-23.

In the last quarter, Mulderrig returned to the court but Bournville made some changes bringing a bigger GA into their shooting circle and they started to take the lead mid way through the quarter.

But Westside showed real courage to gain turnover ball and finished with some excellent shooting, meaning they were able to pull back to level the score at full time.

"This was probably the biggest game Westside have played for several years," said coach Helen Bowden. "If a draw hadn't been achieved then the club would certainly be relegated to the playoffs."