DIVISION two of the North West Kent Netball League (NWKL) is proving to be a white-knuckle ride of excitement as the eight teams battle for promotion to the top flight.

While Aquila sit on top boasting a five-point lead, only nine points separates the rest of the division with Haimo1 in second place on 29 and West Kent 7s at the bottom on 20.

After seven games the unbeaten Aquila captain Sian Evans revealed they had concerns about their depleted squad.

She said: "The opening half of the season has been about introducing new squad members and embedding them into the team.

"With four players pregnant things looked bleak during the summer break.

However the arrival of a number of new dynamic players has increased the squad size dramatically, bringing a new depth and variety to our play."

Sian also shoots a warning across the bows of her opponents saying: "We are top of the table but are still looking forward to the return of our key shooters in the new year."

West Kent 7s prop up the league having lost five and won just two since their promotion as runners up from division three last season.

Player Debbie Reardon said: "We expected this division to be tough but have only lost our matches by a few goals.

"Hopefully the second half of the season will prove more successful now we know what we are up against."

Behind Haimo1 are Kent Club3 (KCNC3) in third spot and three points behind Kent are Wealdon3 who hold a slim one-point advantage over Tonbridge, Electra1 and Crystal Palace1 who are separated by goal difference.

Electra1, promoted as champions from division three last season, have taken time to settle, struggling to convert strong play into victories.

Skipper Lauretta Moore said: "With good and strong players we knew it would be just a matter of time and training to get the team competitive for division two.

"Our recent draw and win are how we see ourselves going forward in the second half of the season."

Tonbridge started the season looking to improve on last year's form which saw them narrowly escape relegation.

The team started well with two wins but injuries meant the side was seriously depleted by mid-season and their form dipped.

Player Sue Fennell said: "I'm sure if we can keep a settled side with a good spirit with a will to win, we can finish the season with more wins."

The final word goes to Crystal Palace1 who, having been pulled from division five to compete at this higher level, are putting up an admirable fight.

Captain Sharron Payne was pleased with her team's latest win over West Kent 7s.

She said: "We had a strong start to the game and after the first quarter knew it was ours for the taking.

"However, we did not want make the mistake of turning winnable games into draws and brought the victory home."

The second half of the season starts at Coldharbour Leisure Centre, New Eltham, on January 7.

Division One leaders KCNC1 take on Telstars1 and division 2 leaders Aquila play Wealden3.