MVP Keizhari Knight scored 43 goals as Phoenix Heat returned to action in the Bermuda Netball Association Winter League with a 60-4 thrashing of Docksiders on Saturday.

Knight was supported by attacker Eshe Grant, who scored 17 times, as the champions picked up a third win of the season. Kianté Lightbourne, the Heat captain, was adjudged their best defender on the day.

“It was a really good game for us,” Knight said. “I was a little tired as I have just come back from vacation, but I played all four quarters and made the shots that made the difference.

“We’re going to try our best in the remaining matches to defend our title. I believe we can do it, what’s key is taking it one game at a time.”

In keeping up with their tradition of giving opportunities for youth players, Heat featured two up-and-coming stars from Phoenix Fire. Jaya Dillas, who had earlier on been named MVP for Fire in a 32-16 win over Devonshire Colts Diamonds, played for the senior team together with Uni Simmons.

Dockies, a team renowned for bringing high energy levels to the netball courts, got their goals from Sam Burrows and MVP Jess Ferreira, who scored twice each. Sarah Blackburn was the best attacker and Jana Phillips took the outstanding defender’s accolade for the vanquished side.

There was jubilation for St George’s when they floored Hamilton Parish 32-8. It was the third win of the season for Nicole Smith’s side.

MVP Kristin Hollman led the scoring for St George’s with 27 goals, with 16 points coming from attacker Stacy Brown. Sarafina Wooldridge-Burns was voted the best defender for the winning team.

Smith expressed delight with the progress made by her team over the years, which has seen the players become better.

“St George’s has been making steady improvements over the past three seasons,” Smith said.

“The players have become more technically sound and the progress is demonstrated by their position in the league with the amount of points they have accumulated.

“Each year we have set specific attainable goals and so far we have been able to make good progress towards them. One goal in particular is to approach every game with the mindset that we go to compete and if the win is not possible, then we strive to at least attain more than half of the opponents score which earns an extra point.

“We have also attracted a few new players which gives us additional options in all areas of the court.’’

Parish, who are still yet to record a win in their maiden season, had five goals scored by attacker Alex Pascal, three from Shayna Gibbons, MVP and top defender Kiarra Francis with two, the same as Kesiah Jackson.