Phoenix Heat vice-captain Kianté Lightbourne has applauded Docksiders for being a fun team to play against in the Bermuda Netball Association Senior League.

Speaking after Heat defeated Docksiders 65-21 at Bernard Park on Wednesday, Lightbourne had high praise for the opponents, who are still winless still season.

“It’s really fun to play against Dockies,’’ Lightbourne said.

“They’re energetic and they’re really good at the basics like marking man-on-man. We don't necessarily see that with all of the other teams, so it does present a different challenge to us.”

Docksiders player-coach Charlotte Evans also had some kind words for the opposition.

“It was a really good game and Phoenix are always a really tough team,’’ Evans told The Royal Gazette.

“We went out and did our best. We maintained positivity and we kept going until the end despite the rain.

“It was a fun game and they’re one of the nicest to play against. We definitely enjoyed playing against them.

“To be honest we weren't expecting to win this one as Phoenix are one of the top teams in the league and there is a reason why they are there.

“Most of their players have played together from a young age and they are very good at this.

“We’re happy with how we did> Everyone came together, performed well, and kept going despite the difficulties.

“We had a lot of supporters coming out to support us despite the rain, so that was really positive for us.”

It was the fifth win in a row for Heat, the defending champions, as they keep up the pressure on Lindo’s Tiger at the top of the table. Danielle Raynor proved once again why she is the best goal shooter on the island by scoring 54 goals, with goal attacker and MVP Ebonie Cox contributing the other 11 points.

Lightbourne, 27, made a return to her usual position of goal defender after missing the match against St George’s and she emphasised the importance of racking up the points in case goal difference comes into play in deciding the league title.

“We've got to keep the momentum up,’’ Lightbourne said. “If it comes down to goal difference at the end, this could be what decides it.

“Even if it’s a game against Docksiders, we still have to get those shots in and fight hard until the end.”

There is no rest for both teams as they are back in action on Saturday. Docksiders will be the first to take to the court against Storm before Heat clash with North Village.