Guardian Group Pride of Villa came so close to taking down University of the West Indies Blackbirds A last night, but in the end the Cave Hill Campus girls emerged victorious 50-49 thanks to 42 goals from national goal-shooter Shonica Wharton.

The two sides met in the ongoing Barbados Netball Association’s Division One League at the Netball Stadium before a boisterous crowd. At the end of the encounter Blackbirds breathed a massive sigh of relief. The scores at the quarter marks were 13-12, 28-23 and 38-36, with Villa ably led by former national captain Latonia Blackman. She had another good night for Villa in her role as goal-shooter with a perfect score of 21 goals from 21 attempts. Fellow shooter Faye Sealy also netted 21 from 25 attempts while Latonia’s sister Nadia Blackman accounted for seven from her ten.

[caption id="attachment_161491" align="alignleft" width="300"] Shonica Wharton scored 42 goals for Blackbirds.[/caption]

It was a rather intriguing game and the score line spoke for itself with Wharton handling herself well in the ring and showing her shooting capabilities when she fell just four goals shorts of a perfect night. She was supported by goal-attack Rieah Holder with eight goals from 11 attempts.

There were also matches played in division two, three, five and six yesterday at the Stadium. During the lone division two game, goal-shooters Michelle Rogers had 22 goals from 32 attempts and Salisha Auguste two of three while goal-attack Alicia Lashley had 19 from 27 for Wolverines as they were victorious 43-34 over Silver Raiders with the scores at the breaks reading 15-5, 25-18, 35-26. Goal-shooter Chantelle Brathwaite had 28 from 38 for Raiders and goal-attack Amory Stoute had four and Natasha Reid two respectively.

Division three had a close game between Phoenix Gems and C.O. Williams with Gems winning 26-23 after the scores at the intervals read 8-7, 12-13, 19-18. Gems’ goal-shooter Nicole Graham had 17 of 22 and veteran goal-attack Marion Johnson- Hurley scored nine goals from 14 attempts. Top scoring for Rangers were goal-shooters Nyasha Williams with ten and Heather Belle eight along with goal-shooter Natasha Clarke with five.

In division five there were several matches played. Barbados Defence Force Solja Girlz defeated Pine Hill St Barnabas 25-18 (4-2, 9-4, 19-9). Rapid Response edged Galaxy Stars 26-24 (6-7, 11-11, 19-19) in an exciting clash.

Notre Dame Ballerz also came out on top with a 27-20 (10-4, 15-6, 20-14) win over Welches Rovers. St Joseph Angels had to work for their 31-29 (5-8, 15-15, 23-21) victory playing Unity Stars.

Meanwhile Bryden Stokes defeated St James Stillettos 25-20 (7-6, 14-12, 18-16). Pride of Villa’s division six team outplayed Sion Hill 25-19 (3-6, 10-11, 19-14)

The post Blackbirds take netball thriller appeared first on Barbados Today.

Wesley Hall Primary continued their unbeaten run with a brilliant 9-0 victory over Eagle Hall Primary today at the Passage Road, St Michael playing field, in the ongoing BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Tournament.

So far Wesley Hall have an outstanding record with a total of 29 goals from six matches and have conceded only one goal thus far in the competition. They are now on 18 points with two games in hand and are definitely through to the round of 16 after today’s victory.

Jadan Nurse scored a brace and the first came through a penalty in the first half before the rain came and made the pasture slippery. A couple minutes later Tyja Delpeache came on as a substitute and took a shot inside the 12-yard box and bad luck for Eagle Hall the wet ball went through the legs of goalkeeper David Gittens who did not receive any assistance from his defenders.

[caption id="attachment_162006" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Wesley Hall Primary’s goal-scorer Kevion Newton took on Eagle Hall Primary defender Joshua Hope and won the battle.[/caption]

Kevion Newton with his athletic ability made it 3-0 when he was stationed on the left and controlled a pass before curling the ball beautifully into the right far post of the goal bars to give Wesley Hall a clear advantage heading into the second half.

When the second half began Wesley Hall played the ball up the right flank and Ranico Rouse seized the moment to take a shot that once again beat keeper Gittens. Two minutes later and Thierry Corbin followed up with a shot to give Wesley Hall their fifth goal. Eagle Hall’s defence was basically non-existent and did not apply the necessary pressure on Wesley Hall’s strikers who totally had their way.

[caption id="attachment_162007" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Thierry Corbin looks to dance his way around the Eagle Hall defenders.[/caption]

Nurse was then able to capture his second goal along with Delpeache who also found another. Jaden Greenidge and Edwin Barnett also joined in on the fun and netted one goal each coming on to the end.

In other zone six games played Westbury Primary won 2-0 over St Mary’s Primary while Trinity and Lawrence T Gay Primary failed to score when they met. Meanwhile Grazettes Primary went down 4-0 to Eden Lodge Primary.

[caption id="attachment_162008" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Tashon Weekes of Westbury Primary (second left wearing orange) and Joshua Roett of St Mary’s Primary clash for the ball.[/caption]

At King George V Memorial Park in zone eight, Blackman and Gollop Primary got the better of St Philip Primary 2-0 to top that zone with 24 points. Hilda Skeene Primary are also through to the round of 16 after defeating St Mark’s Primary 2-0 to finish the zone in second position on 16 points. St Martin’s Mangrove Primary and St Luke’s Brighton played to a 1-1 draw and the match between Gordon Walters Primary and Bayley’s Primary was also uneventful as neither side scored.

Over at Blenheim in zone four, Charles F. Broome Primary trounced St Giles Primary 4-0 to earn themselves an additional three points and that took their tally to 23 having already booked their places in the playoffs along with St Cyprian’s Boys.

[caption id="attachment_162009" align="aligncenter" width="300"] It was the sweetest of dribbles by Christian Collymore of Trinity Academy (in green and white) past Aneko Callender-Mayers of Lawrence T Gay Primary. (Pictures by Morissa Lindsay)[/caption]

St Cyprian’s now have 21 points after they edged Belmont Primary 1-0; Wilkie Cumberbatch got the better of St Paul’s Primary 2-1 and Luther Thorne Primary won 3-1 against George Lamming Primary.

At Speightstown in zone one, All Saints Primary mauled Boscobel Primary 11-0 but as it stands Ignatius Byer Primary are currently leading that zone with 18 points followed by Half Moon Fort Primary and All Saints who are both on 13 points each.

In zone two standings defending champions St Stephen’s Primary and St Alban’s Primary are tied on 17 points. Grantley Prescod have advanced with 18 in zone three, Bay Primary with 19 are taking charge of things in zone five and Milton Lynch Primary with 22 points are commanding things in zone seven.

The post Heavy scoring appeared first on Barbados Today.

St Giles Primary remain unbeaten in the Kathy Harper Hall/Agnes Crichlow Zone of the ongoing Pine Hill Dairy-sponsored National Sports Council's Primary Schools Netball Tournament.

The former queens were victorious 7-1 over Belmont Primary today at the Netball Stadium where six other games were contested. St Giles had a 5-0 advantage at half-time and went on to win thanks to goal-attack Serena Edwards who led the way with five goals from nine attempts and Shamarla Wickham two off six. Tia Spellen played goal-attack for Belmont and accounted for their lone goal of the match.

[caption id="attachment_162103" align="aligncenter" width="480"] St Giles Primary’s goal-attack was in great shooting form and netted another goal under the watchful eyes of National Sports Council coach Monette Wharton. (Pictures by Morissa Lindsay).[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_162107" align="aligncenter" width="447"] Belmont Primary goal-attack Tia Spellen showed good reach when she jumped and took possession away from St Giles’ goal-defence Tianna Applewaithe (center) and goal-keeper Michaela Harper.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_162108" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Belmont Primary goal-shooter Kalesa Jordan grips the ball tightly while being put under pressure by St Giles Primary goal-keeper Michaela Harper.[/caption]

George Lamming Primary was also victorious against Hindsbury Primary and St Winifred's respectively. St Winifred's played well but coming on to the end of the game they were edged 4-3 with goal-shooter Tionie Waldron and goal-attack Dominique Blenman netting two goals each. Goal-shooter for St Winifred's Charlotte Howard had two goals and goal-attack Kelsey Pitcher, one.

[caption id="attachment_162106" align="aligncenter" width="383"] Dominique Blenman’s persistence as goal-attack for George Lamming paid off when she got the better of St Winifred’s goal-defence Jenascia King during this play.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_162109" align="aligncenter" width="342"] Anika Phillips in her role as wing-attack for George Lamming Primary took an excellent catch against St Winifred’s.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_162102" align="aligncenter" width="350"] St Winifred’s goal-attack lands well after intercepting the ball between George Lamming, center Shomicha Jaskson and goal-defense Destiny Laurent.[/caption]

They then got the better of Hindsbury 5-3 with Waldron at goal-shoot scoring four and goal-attack Blenman, one. Hindsbury's goal-shooter Maria Lane Griffith had two goals and goal-attack Latavia Hazell-Codrington, one.

[caption id="attachment_162104" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Lawrence T Gay goal-attack Tianna Morris gave it her all to stop this ball from reaching St Mary’s Primary goal-defender Daesha Haynes.[/caption]

Westbury Primary also had a reason to smile after defeating Lawrence T Gay Primary 4-2.  Goal-attack Abianna Burrowes scored four goals from seven attempts while goal-shooter Gineva Alleyne had the two for Lawrence T Gay.

Deacons Primary were also on the losing end against Westbury Primary 3-1 with goal-shooter Tashaunte Weekes having a perfect score of two from two and goal-attack Burrowes one from five. Deacon's goal-shooter Nyrobi Alleyne was the only player to put the ball through the hoop once.

Deacons in their second match against St Winifred's had something to cheer about with a 1-0 win while St Mary's Primary won 4-3 over Lawrence T Gay Primary. 

The post St Giles win again appeared first on Barbados Today.

All Saints Primary ended the day unbeaten with two wins in the Sonya Knight zone of the National Sports Council’s Pine Hill Dairy-sponsored Primary Schools Netball Tournament played today at Speightstown, St Peter.

They won 3-1 against A DaCosta Edwards Primary after leading 2-1 at half time. Goal-shooter Natalia White had a perfect score of two goals from two attempts and goal-attack Elicia Phillips one goal from her three attempts. A DaCosta Edwards’ goal-shooter Faith Hinkson accounted for their one goal.

[caption id="attachment_162279" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A DaCosta Edwards’ wing-attack held on to this catch while All Saints’ wing-defence Shaquanna Maynard tried to intercept.[/caption]

The margin of victory for All Saints was even bigger when they defeated St Albans Primary 6-2. At half time the score was 3-1 and they went on to take a comfortable win compliments goal-shooter White and goal-attack Phillips who score three goals each. St Albans goal-attack Leann Leacock was responsible for both goals from four attempts while goal-shooter Jamika Sandiford did not even get a chance to take a shot at goal because the ball never came her way.

[caption id="attachment_162281" align="aligncenter" width="300"] St Albans’ goal-defence Ciara Edwards ensured the ball did not reach St Lucy Primary goal-shooter Akayla Harvey.[/caption]

Despite that loss St Albans did well to pull one back against St Lucy Primary winning 4-1. They led 3-1 at half time but only managed one goal in the second and decisive quarter with goal-shooter Sandiford making a contribution this time around with two goals along with goal-attack Leacock also scoring two. St Lucy goal-attack Shalon Henry was the only player to get the ball through the hoop.

Gordon Greenidge Primary dominated Half Moon Fort Primary with a 7-1 victory. The score was 3-1 at half time and Gordon Greenidge picked up a tad more momentum to score four goals in the final quarter thanks to goal-shooter Shadae Ellis’ five goals from ten attempts and goal-attack Akeera Harewood’s two from five. Ashonite Miller netted the lone goal for Half Moon Fort.

[caption id="attachment_162280" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Ignatius Byer goal-shooter Shania Boyce being put under pressure by St Lucy goalkeeper Aaliyah Broomes.[/caption]

The post All Saints win again appeared first on Barbados Today.

St Giles Primary finished their eighth game today unbeaten in the Kathy Harper-Hall and Agnes Crichlow Zone of the National Sports Council’s Pine Hill Dairy-sponsored Primary Schools Netball Competition, and booked a place in the round of 16.

St Winifred’s Primary were dealt a rough hand by St Giles Primary with a 13-0 drubbing at the National Stadium. The score was 7-0 at half-time and goal-shooter Shamarla Wickham netted eight goals from 11 attempts and goal-attack Serena Edwards had five from seven. St Winifred’s not only did not score, they made no attempts at the hoop.

[caption id="attachment_162775" align="aligncenter" width="300"] St Giles Primary’s goal-attack Serena Edwards shot one past St Winifred’s goal-defence Jenascia King.[/caption]

Four teams from each zone will advance to the round of 16 and second placed Westbury Primary on 14 points, George Lamming Primary and St Mary’s have all secured their places in the Stadium zone.

The Marion Johnson-Hurley and Carolyn Sinckler Zone was played at Police Boys and Girls Club and was dominated by Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary. Vauxhall Primary, Grantley Prescod Primary and St Gabriel’s from this zone are all through to the round of 16.

[caption id="attachment_162779" align="aligncenter" width="300"] St Winifred’s goal-keeper Sienna Gollop grabs on to the ball before Belmont Primary’s wing-attack Cianera Walters can. (Pictures by Morissa Lindsay)[/caption]

Westbury Primary got the better of George Lamming 5-3 compliments goal-attack Abianna Burrowes with a perfect score of four goals from four attempts and goal-shooter Kishanna Sargeant one off one. At half-time Westbury were in control at 4-0 and despite the efforts of goal-attack Dominique Blenman (two from four) and goal-shooter Tionie Waldron’s one goal, they held on for the win.

George Lamming shooters got it right a second time when they took on St Mary’s Primary and were victorious 5-2. Goal-attack Blenman netted four from six and goal-shooter Waldron one from three attempts. Teliya Callender accounted for both of St Mary’s goals.

[caption id="attachment_162777" align="aligncenter" width="300"] St Mary’s Primary’s goal-defence Danesha Haynes completely missed the ball that went into the hands of George Lamming Primary’s goal-attack Dominique Blenman.[/caption]

Former Pine Hill Dairy queens St Mary’s did not walk away winless as they managed a close 3-2 victory over Deacons Primary thanks to goal-attack Callender’s two goals and goal-shooter Gailann Cox’s one. Deacons’ goal-shooter Nyrobi Alleyne scored both goals for her team.

Belmont Primary played two games today and won them both 3-0 against St Winifred’s and Lawrence T Gay Primary respectively.

[caption id="attachment_162774" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Lawrence T Gay’s wing-attack Rajada Prescod- Edwards (left) clashes with Hindsbury Primary’s wing-defence Alisha Wickham for ball possession.[/caption]

Lawrence T Gay also lost their second match 6-1 to Hindsbury Primary after being down 3-0 at half time.

The post St Giles through appeared first on Barbados Today.

University of the West Indies (UWI) Blackbirds are the Barbados Netball Association's double crown champions.

Last night at the Netball Stadium in drizzling rain UWI baptized Newbury All Stars 68-22 to capture their first ever BNA Division One League title. The winners led 15-6, 27-14 and 49-16 after three periods.

That win has now taken the uncatchable Blackbirds to a total of 40 points after playing eight matches with two games left to play against Pine Hill St Barnabas and Guardian Group Pride of Villa.

[caption id="attachment_163922" align="aligncenter" width="300"] University of the West Indies Blackbirds goal-shooter Shonica Wharton was superb netting 60 goals in the game.[/caption]

The dominance of national goal-shooter Shonica Wharton took the spotlight once again as she effortlessly netted a whopping 60 goals from 63 attempts - her highest score so far for the season. She was well supported in the ring by goal-attack Rieah Holder who scored eight goals from her 11 shots at the ring. Newbury goal-attack Khadija Domingo made it into double figures with 14 goals from 24 attempts and goal-shooter Janelle Brathwaite scored eight but missed a hefty 12 attempts at the ring.

UWI made good on their first period nine-point lead by adding to it through Wharton on the resumption. She was given enough space to take the ball out of the air and shoot at the hoop. The score was 25-9 mid way through the second quarter when Newbury's top shooter Domingo seemingly picked up a slight ankle injury in wet slippery conditions.

Thankfully for All Stars it was nothing too serious and she was back on court in no time.  She made her presence felt with five consecutive goals that took her team onto double figures to end that period better than they did in the first.

At the start of the third quarter UWI made three changes with captain Danisha Croney moving from center position to wing-attack previously played by Rashida Chase who switched to wing-defence and replaced Kashera Corbin for the remainder of the game. Teresha Howell had on the center bib in place of Croney. Those changes allowed UWI to up the pace of the game and there was nothing Newbury could have done to stop the rhythm of their opponents' defence or offence. Goal-defender and national player Shanice Rock was excellent and might just have her name written on the Best Defender trophy.

So good was UWI's defence that Newbury only managed a mere two points in the penultimate quarter. However in the fourth and decisive period, Domingo ended the drought for Newbury with a shot at goal as they went on to reach 20 goals but they would have needed a miracle to prevent their eighth consecutive loss for the season.

[caption id="attachment_163920" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Double crown winners - UWI Blackbirds.
(Pictures by Morissa Lindsay)[/caption]

Speaking with Barbados TODAY after the win, UWI team coach Margaret Cutting said her players put in the necessary hard work and therefore were satisfied with the results that accrued.

“They set their goals and said that is what they wanted to achieve this year and they did it. The defensive circle really worked hard and overall everyone did well,” Cutting said.

There were other matches played at the Netball Stadium and in Division three Bryden Stokes edged C.O Williams Rangers 29-25 (10-4, 17-8, 21-17) in a keenly contested game. Goal-shooter Claudette Johnson led the way with 25 goals off 31 attempts and goal-attack Margaret Spooner had four from six. Scoring for Rangers were goal shooter Heather Belle with 21 from 31 and goal-attack Nyasha Williams who netted four goals.

Welches Rovers had a good game over Phoenix Gems swamping them 30-19 (10-3, 18-6, 23-12) in the second Division three clash. In Division four Spooners Hill Pearl trounced WOW Shottas 39-16 after leading at the quarters, 11-4, 18-8 and 25-13. 

Then Galaxy Stars had their way against Welch Rovers in Division five winning 32-18 (9-4, 16-7, 23-12). Pine Hill St Barnabas came from behind to defeat Rapid Response 27-25 (7-9, 13-14, 17-20). Bryden Stokes in that same division were also victorious 47-24 (12-4, 24-9, 33-17) over Notre Dame Ballerz. 

One game in Division seven was contested between Silver Raiders and Princess Margaret Emerald Stars and the former won 27-22 (10-2, 14-6, 20-14). 

The post Blackbirds soar appeared first on Barbados Today.

New champions will be crowned in the National Sports Council’s Pine Hill Dairy-sponsored Primary Schools Netball Tournament and so far Vauxhall Primary have earned a place in the final.

[caption id="attachment_164570" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Vauxhall Primary goal-keeper Olianna Bishop (with ball) is a bright prospect and she showed her worth to lead her school into the final today.[/caption]

All quarterfinal games were played today at the Netball Stadium followed by one semifinal game between Ignatius Byer Primary and Vauxhall with the latter winning 10-6.

They await the winner from the West Terrace and St Giles Primary match-up when the second semifinal is played this Friday at the Netball Stadium.

[caption id="attachment_164571" align="aligncenter" width="300"] West Terrace center Skye Spencer-Layne did a good job in her role by controling the tempo of the game.[/caption]

Individual stats for that particular semi-final clash were unavailable up to publication time but at half-time Vauxhall had a one-goal lead at 4-3 and they went on to win the game. Special mention must be made of Vauxhall goalkeeper Olianna Bishop who was superb and ensured nothing got past her for the majority of the game

Prior to that four quarter-final games were played and among them were two-time defending champions Blackman and Gollop Primary who did not have the best of competitions this year and lost today’s game 19-3 to West Terrace Primary. Goal-attack Anise Alleyne netted ten goals from 13 attempts and goal-shooter Chantel Pinder nine of 13 for the winners. Goal-shooter Shalyssa Kirton scored all three of Blackman and Gollop’s goals.

[caption id="attachment_164568" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Ignatius Byer Primary’s goal-defender Aaliyah Agard held on to agood catch while Vauxhall Primary’s goal-attack Nyesha Harewood reaches in vain.[/caption]

Ignatius Byer also got into double figures when they defeated A DaCosta Edwards 13-7 to reach the semi-final. Goal-attack Kristie Griffith had eight goals from ten attempts and goal-attack Shania Boyce five from 11. Scoring for A DaCosta Edwards were goal-shooter Kiarra Taylor with four and goal-attack Makayla Boyce with three.

Vauxhall Primary defeated All Saints Primary 9-6 thanks to seven goals from goal-attack Nyesha Harewood and two from goal-shooter Makayla Lynch. Meanwhile, All Saints goal-attack Elicia Phillips had five and goal-shooter Natalia White netted one.

[caption id="attachment_164569" align="aligncenter" width="300"] St Giles Primary goal-shooter Shamarla Wickham picks this ball from the air and scored against Westbury Primary. (Pictures by Morissa Lindsay)[/caption]

Meanwhile St Giles continued to show great promise with a convincing 16-7 victory against Westbury Primary. The winners were led by goal-attack Serena Edwards and goal-shooter Shemarla Wickham who scored eight goals each while Westbury’s goal-shooter Kishana Sargeant had four goals and goal-attack Abianne Burrowes, three.

The post Netball nearing the end appeared first on Barbados Today.

It will be St Giles Primary against Vauxhall Primary in the final of the National Sports Council's Pine Hill Dairy-sponsored Primary Schools Netball championship.  

Vauxhall secured their place yesterday with a 10-6 victory against Ignatius Byer Primary in the first semi-final while today in the other semi-final match at the Netball Stadium, St Giles were outstanding defeating West Terrace 26-17 to earn their berth. They led after three quarters, 8-4, 14-8, 23-12.

[caption id="attachment_164754" align="aligncenter" width="300"] West Terrace Primary’s goal-shooter Chantal Pinder (left) stretched for the ball and then scored while defended by St Giles’ goalkeeper Michaela Harper. (Pictures by Morissa Lindsay)[/caption]

St Giles' goal-attack Serena Edwards led the way once more with a top score of 19 goals from 25 attempts and goal-shooter Shemarla Wickham had seven from 13 attempts.

For West Terrace goal-shooter Chantel Pinder netted 11 goals from 14 attempts, while goal-attack Anise Alleyne had six goals from her 11 attempts.

[caption id="attachment_164755" align="aligncenter" width="300"] West Terrace Primary’s goal-attack Anise Alleyne is about to catch the ball while St Giles Primary’s goal-defence Amariah Williams challenges.[/caption]

The final is scheduled for Monday June 27 at the Netball Stadium where new champions will be crowned after last year's queens Blackman and Gollop failed to get past the quarter-final round.

The post St Giles, Vauxhall make netball final appeared first on Barbados Today.

St Giles Primary's star shooter and Most Valuable Player Serena Edwards today led her school to their 12th title, defeating Vauxhall Primary 20-8 in the final of the Pine Hill Dairy-sponsored National Sports Council's Primary Schools Netball Competition. 

[caption id="attachment_165322" align="aligncenter" width="300"] St Giles Primary won their 12th National Sports Council’s Pine Hill Dairy Primary Schools’ Netball Competition and took time to celebrate with NSC coach Margaret Cutting (right) and physical education teacher Sean Callender (third right).[/caption]

Vauxhall Primary were outstanding in the Marion Johnson-Hurley and Agnes Crichlow zone to reach the final, but today missed out on what would have been their first title in the 34th edition of the competition. St Giles dominated the game leading the first three quarters 5-2, 9-3 and 15-6 en route to lifting the coveted trophy.

[caption id="attachment_165319" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Vauxhall Primary came runners-up in the National Sports Council’s Pine Hill Dairy Primary Schools Netball Competition.[/caption]

Serena is the daughter of Carlyn Edwards, a former senior national player and Barbados' first under-16 captain who also played for St Giles Primary around 1993 when they captured their first ever Pine Hill title. 

Therefore it was no surprise that Edwards was so outstanding in the shooting circle today when she netted 18 goals from 24 attempts under the watchful eyes of her mother on the side line of the court, cheering along with specially invited guests that included zonal representatives Angela Gibbs, Kathy Harper-Hall, Agnes Crichlow, Marion Johnson-Hurley, Carolyn Sinckler, Marva Sealy, Inez Taylor and Pamala Proverbs along with interim chief executive officer of the National Sports Council, Jerry Blenman.

[caption id="attachment_165317" align="aligncenter" width="300"] St Giles Primary star performer Serena Edwards top scored with 18 goals in the final.(Pictures by Morissa Lindsay)[/caption]

St Giles goal-shooter Shamarla Wickham had four chances and managed to put away two of them. Vauxhall shooters found the going tough against St Giles' strong defence led by most outstanding goal-defender Amariah Williams. Despite the odds goal-shooter Makayla Lynch had an almost perfect score of five goals from six attempts and goal-attack Nyesha Harewood had three from six. 

After a four-year gap since winning their last title in 2012, St Giles placed themselves in a commanding nine-point lead at half time in order to stand a good chance of adding yet another trophy to their already well-stocked cabinet.  

[caption id="attachment_165318" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Most outstanding goal-defender Amariah Wiliams of St Giles Primary (l) clashes with Vauxhall Primary’s center Joanna Atkins for ball possession.[/caption]

Vauxhall made changes in the second and fourth periods when Kiara Holder moved from wing-attack to center and Tiara Devonish who was not in the starting seven played wing-attack in the second while in the fourth-quarter Briana Baird switched from wing-defence to wing-attack and Kaya Phillips played wing-defence in place of Baird. St Giles remained unchanged throughout the match.

In the third quarter St Giles applied the necessary pressure through Edwards who looked strong and aggressive in the semi- circle showing no fear of Vauxhall's defence especially most outstanding goalkeeper Olianna Bishop who has been superb in the competition. She made life difficult for oppositions with her blocks, catches and 360 degree turns. 

Edwards with quarter scores of five, three, five and five, continued to take the momentum away from Vauxhall with excellent shooting from all angles. 

Then in the fourth and decisive quarter at 15-6 Edwards shot an additional five goals for St Giles to reach 20 with under a minute to play when Vauxhall shooters who were kept quiet throughout found two quick goals from goal-shooter Makayla Lynch and goal-attack Nyesha Harewood. But it was all a bit too late as time keeper and national player Damisha Croney started the count down that signalled the end to umpires Denise Alleyne and Sonia Banfield who blew their final whistle. 

Sean Callender, physcial education teacher and coach of the victorious St Giles side, said he felt ecstatic and gave special mention to NSC coach Margaret Cutting who made some vital changes to St Giles team structure that allowed them to win yet another title. 

He made special mention of class four student Edwards who will be heading to Christ Church Foundation - another powerhouse in netball - and whom he described as her mother's prodigy. Callender said he could not have asked for a better performance from his players even though they were feeling a bit nervous entering today's all important final. 

“She [Edwards] is just following in the foot steps of her mother. She is a left hander and her mother gives her advice and really follows her  through her athletics and she always reaches the final of NAPSAC [National Primary Schools Athletics Championship] in long jump or cricket ball and she is one person who is determined to win. 

“I am always nervous coming into any game whether it is a team that is supposed to be weak or not. But I talk to the girls and all through the competition they listen to me. The children really worked hard and some evenings throughout the competition they gave up of their time even if it was only fifteen minutes to listen or had me out there throwing balls to improve their skills,” Callender said. 

In the third place game West Terrace Primary, better known as the Tigers, took a one goal thriller, 11-10, against Ignatius Byer Primary who were down in the first three quarters 5-2, 8-4, 10-7. West Terrace's goal-shooter Chantal Pinder had nine goals from 12 attempts and goal-attack Anse Alleyne, two of five. Ignatius Byer's consistent goal-attack Kristie Griffith had seven goals from 11 attempts and goal-shooter Shania Boyce three from five attempts. 

Most improved team honours went to Westbury Primary. It was most deserving for reaching the quarterfinal which was the furthest they had got in the history of the competition. There were several team and individual prizes awarded to the most outstanding teams and players. St Giles took away a big chunk of the top awards that included best goal-attack and top individual shooter that went to Edwards, wing-attack Keann Hurley and goal-defender Amariah Williams. They also won the team shooting competition from Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary and St Bernard's Primary. 

Other zone winners were Ignatius Byer in the Sonya Knight Zone, West Terrace hailing from the Angela Gibbs and Anna Shepherd Zone, Wilkie Cumberbatch topped the Marion Johnson- Hurley and Carolyn Sinckle Zone while St Bartholomew's Primary won the Marva Sealy and Inez Taylor Zone.

[caption id="attachment_165316" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary did not only top the Marion Johnson- Hurley and Carolyn Sinckler Zone they also came second in the team shooting competition.[/caption]

Former queens Blackman and Gollop Primary who captured the title for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015 did not get past the quarterfinal stage this year but did well to come out on top in the Pamala Proverbs Zone. 

Best goal-shooter went to Dominique Blenman of George Lamming Primary, Shereya Jackman of Gordon Greenidge Primary was rewarded for her role in the center position while Akayna Babb of Ignatius Byer was given an award for being the top wing-defender. 

One lucky player from St Giles - yet to be announced - will receive a $500 scholarship from stalwart of the sport, Kathy Harper- Hall.

The post Twelve and counting appeared first on Barbados Today.

Former Division One queens Pine Hill St Barnabas registered a comfortable 45-33 win over University of the West Indies Blackbirds B team last night, in order to keep themselves in contention to finish at least third in the Barbados Netball Association season.

It was not the most competitive game for the season but St Barnabas were clearly the better of the two teams and led the first three quarters 9-8, 22-18 and 36-25 at the Netball Stadium. Goal-attack Sheniqua Thomas netted 23 goals from 30 attempts and goal-shooter Shakera Boxill scored 22 goals from 27 attempts for St Barnabas.

[caption id="attachment_165393" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Pine Hill St Barnabas goalkeeper Shonte Seale showed University of the West Indies Blackbird B goal-attack Shakeillia Smith how high she could jump to take possession of this ball.[/caption]

UWI B goal-shooter Rhea Bryant top-scored with 23 from 31 and goal-attack Shakeillia Smith had ten from her 18 attempts.

After last night’s game St Barnabas are now tied in third position on 29 points with Guardian Group Pride of Villa as both teams have so far played nine matches with five wins each and four losses. Currently in first position are clear winners UWI ‘A’ on 45 points after winning all nine of their games with one more game in hand.

At the beginning of the third quarter both teams made a few noticeable changes starting with Pine Hill. They switched Damara Dawson from center to wing-defence, Cherese Seale put on the center’s bib and Sam Browne replaced Vanessa Bobb at wing-attack. Meanwhile for UWI B Sade Sargent went on as goalkeeper for Monique James and Marissa Eliott took over at wing-attack for Tameisha Forde.

UWI were down four points at half-time and instead of applying pressure on Pine Hill to keep the ball from reaching Thomas or Boxill in the third quarter, they allowed the opposition who played most of their under-21 players, to run circles around them including goalkeeper Shonte Seale who did well in the post that is normally occupied by national keeper Shonette Azore-Bruce.

[caption id="attachment_165394" align="aligncenter" width="300"] University of the West Indies Blackbirds B goal-shooter Rhea Bryant had a tough time against St Barnabas’ defence. (Pictures by Morissa Lindsay).[/caption]

Those nonsensical errors by Blackbirds in the third period proved costly and allowed Pine Hill St Barnabas to register their highest quarter score in the game of 14-7, as they went on to take control of proceedings in the fourth quarter. UWI shooters managed to notch a few goals but it was not enough to deny Pine Hill the win.

UWI B are in fifth place with 16 points after winning two of their nine games. They are ahead of Newbury All Stars who have failed to win any of their nine matches since being promoted to division one this year and therefore remain in sixth position.

There were other clashes on the night and in a division two contest Silver Raiders were victorious 43-33 (11-5, 20-17, 31-29) against Wolverines. Raiders goal-shooter Chantelle Brathwaite netted 37 from 55 and goal-attack Chiana Chase six of ten. Wolverine had several shooters and goal-shooter Michelle Rogers top scored with 20 after making 32 attempts while goal-attacks Alicia Lashley had 11 and Deidre Mathurin two.

Spooners Hill Pearls had a close 33-27 (8-5, 16-14, 25-18) win playing against Phoenix Golden Stars in division four. The lone game in division five went to St Joseph Angels with a nailing-biting 21-19 (6-5, 9-11, 13-15) victory over Barbados Defence Force Solja Girlz. Meanwhile in division six Sion Hill got the better of Haggatt Hall 19-11 (5-1, 8-2, 13-7).

The post St Barnabas beat UWI ‘B’ at netball appeared first on Barbados Today.

Three of the youngest netball umpires in Barbados hail from the Springer Memorial Secondary School. 

Over the weekend at Bagnall's Point Gallery at Pelican Village, 13-year-old Leann Busby became the youngest graduate along with fellow schoolmates Tricia Phillips at age 16 and Shonte Seale, 17, all part of the six-week coaching course. 

[caption id="attachment_166612" align="aligncenter" width="358"] Leann Busby (right) and mum Latricia Busby.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_166616" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Tricia Phillips[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_166611" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Shonte Seale[/caption]

In an interview withBarbados TODAY Wednesday, the trio said they aspire to be like Marion Johnson-Hurley, Barbados' lone international umpire. 

It seems both Busby and Phillips are following proudly in the footsteps of their mothers Latricia and Julie who had also done the Barbados Association of Netball Umpires course in the past and ironically were also members of Pine Hill St Barnabas netball club. 

Busby, whose mother is an intermediate umpire, said the course was something she always wanted to do and with the support of her mother she went right ahead.

“I just decided I want to do this and I began looking at my mum's netball notes, practising the rules and learning everything possible that an umpire needs to know. I want to get to the international association of umpires like Marion Johnson-Hurley who is my inspiration and with hard work and dedication I know I can get there,” said Busby, who will be celebrating her 14th birthday this Sunday. 

Busby explained she felt a little nervous on her first day of the course, not knowing what to expect but felt at ease afterwards. She added the examination was a little challenging but after reading over and putting herself in the situation she was able to answer correctly. 

Looking ahead the third form student made it clear that her school work would be her primary objective at this stage of her life but would also ensure she found the time to play and umpire because of her love for the sport and club Pine Hill St Barnabas.

“Once I get my school work out of the way anything else can happen. So if I have homework and netball on the same day and I have a free period at school I would do my homework during that period, go home check it over so when it is time to head down to the Netball Stadium, I am there.

“Also I enjoy playing for Pine Hill St Barnabas for a very long time and I enjoy my coaches Julie Phillips, Margaret Cutting and Jacqueline Browne-McConney because when I go practice I feel at home because it is very welcoming. Honestly I do not think I will play for another team because of the warm reception I get from the club when I put on my uniform and playing with my teammates feels really nice,” said Busby who will be entering fourth form in September. 

Tricia, whose mum is St Barnabas' head coach, told Barbados TODAYnetball has always been a part of her life and this was just another step in her journey to become an international umpire. 

“It is my sport so I just want to know everything about it so I can be versatile in the sport. This is an opportunity I will seek to capitalize on in terms of becoming an international umpire. But right now my main focus is getting a scholarship,” said Phillips, who also graduated from Springer Memorial this year. 

The versatile St Barnabas player who pointed out she began playing netball from the time she could catch a ball at the tender age of five, took time to encourage anyone whether it be a player or otherwise to do the course. 

“The course was really educational. They came in and broke down the rules, we watched different scenarios on television and then the tutors quizzed us on the infringement that happened. They also taught us how to score, so it was not just about umpiring but many different aspects of the game,” Phillips said.  

Meanwhile,  Seale, who was named most improved umpire, gave her take on the course saying it was a good experience but noted that where umpiring was concerned one could become down-spirited because of the criticism and scrutiny one came under from spectators, other officials and players. 

“As a netballer knowing the rules was key for me and from an early age attending Springer Memorial and watching different umpires like Miss Phillips, Marion Johnson- Hurley, it looked like an interesting task and ever since then I just set out on being an umpire. 

“The experience is tough, honestly speaking, and if you are not a strong, tough person you would drop out and give up on umpiring. The feedback from the stands would make you want to give up but I am a strong person so I will go all the way,” Seale said confidently. 

The post Proud footsteps appeared first on Barbados Today.

Marion Johnson-Hurley continues to fly the Barbadian flag high after being endorsed for another four years as an International Netball Federation umpire.

Johnson-Hurley who became an IUA member in 1998 was retained on July 13 while officiating at the just concluded World University Championship in Florida. 

[caption id="attachment_168251" align="alignleft" width="300"] Marion Johnson-Hurley after officiating at the just concluded World University Championship in Florida.[/caption]

Speaking with Barbados TODAY, the 52-year-old explained how happy and honoured she was to be given yet another opportunity to continue doing what she loves.

However, being the lone IUA member from Barbados, Johnson-Hurley said it was her desire to see other umpires from the island making it on to the international scene. In fact, she said it was long overdue and believed it was time that Barbadian umpires got a lot more exposure where officiating games were concerned.

“I think that we need to push some more umpires and not that we weren't pushing them before, but as I said the main challenge is the fitness test and sometimes it is really hard but you have to tell yourself as an umpire and just work hard to pass the fitness test at the international level. I personally had to train really hard to get myself ready for competition. 

“The other challenging thing we have in Barbados is getting exposure to games because we don't have enough games to push the umpires to that level. The recent under-sixteen Caribbean netball championship is the only competition where you find the umpires get exposure and that is not good enough. We need to give them that opportunity to go to the next level,” said Johnson-Hurley, who began umpiring around the age of 16. 

All is not lost, though, as she made special mention of a few upcoming umpires, including Makeba Clarke who she said could definitely make an impact on the international scene. 

“Makeba is young and we need to give her that opportunity to go further and don't hold her back because that can hamper her and she may get turned off. So if we push her, she can go far and I have seen her and she has the ability to go a long way,” explained Johnson-Hurley, who continues to soar on the international scene after being approved to serve on the International Testing Panel as a cadet for the second time.

She is also the only Barbadian currently on the testing panel and is involved in identifying talent and recommending umpires to officiate at international games. 

Not forgetting her journey and those that have helped her along the way, Johnson-Hurley made special mention of Vaneisha Cadogan and Deborah Lynch-Theobalds, two of her mentors. 

Being one of the oldest and longest serving international umpires in the world after receiving her badge back in 1998, Johnson Hurley also focused on the level of umpiring in Barbados and said Barbados could do a lot better but at the same time was pleased to see so many young persons showing a keen interest in umpiring. She gave special mention to the president of Barbados Association of Netball Umpires, Carmeta Douglin,  for encouraging those young persons to get involved. 

“I think that some of us don't understand the importance of doing the things that we should do without being watched and that is one of our biggest problems. It is not that our umpires can't umpire, but sometimes they wait for you to look at them for them to show you what they can do when persons like myself are observing and that is when you see a different standard of umpiring which is not right. But this is how we humans behave, we only perform when being observed. It is not that they can't do the job because I think a few of them can do the job.

“Also I just hope the much younger ones stick with it because it can be very challenging, especially comments from the side. People tend to pull you down but it is really a pleasure to see them there trying at an early age and I hope they stick with it,” she noted. 

Johnson-Hurley wears many hats and among them is being a physical education teacher at Lawrence T Gay Primary and a proud mother of two boys, Derion the eldest who was part of the victorious Orange Three Pinelands team that won the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association's Premier League title this year, and Deroni who plays badminton, basketball and is currently overseas in St Kitts and Nevis with the national under-16 football team. She admitted the journey has not been easy but one she has managed to overcome with the support of those around her especially husband Derick 'Billy' Hurley, also a former national football player.

Johnson- Hurley also relived her most proudest moments as an umpire back in 2006 in Melbourne Australia when New Zealand played the hosts in a final.

“Unlike my first final I was more relaxed because I was more prepared, more exposed and I felt that I did an excellent job which took me to the next level. I felt that if I can do it so can any other Barbadian. I recall after the game people came to me with my Barbados flag, giving me hugs, and that is what you need as an umpire. “

Another memorable achievement for her was officiating at the World Youth Games final in Fort Lauderdale between New Zealand and England. Also, at the World Championships final in Jamaica when New Zealand played Australia. 

Looking ahead to the future Johnson-Hurley made it clear she had no intention of quitting anytime soon and was looking forward to officiating at the upcoming AFNA Youth Qualifiers in St Maarten from August 22 to 28.

The post A class act appeared first on Barbados Today.

One of Barbados most outstanding netball sharp shooters has decided to let home drums beat first.

After receiving offers from universities including the Mona Campus in Jamaica, Shonica Wharton has decided to take up a three-year scholarship with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus from September 5.

In an interview with Barbados TODAY Wharton said she felt excited with the offers especially from Mona but opted to stay at home and build on her talent while studying Tourism Management.

[caption id="attachment_172553" align="aligncenter" width="538"] The Wharton sisters (from left) Shanice and Shonica.[/caption]

“I was really excited when Mona contacted me to be honest. But then Cave Hill offered me a scholarship so I thought about it and decided to stay at home and study. I mean it would have been nice to go there because they [Jamaica] have produced some outstanding netballers but I will stay here and improve,” said Wharton, who was once among the top ten players at the World Youth Netball Championship in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2013.

Wharton returned home from St Maarten this week with the under-21 squad having come out tops of the qualifiers to advance into the 2017 Americas Federation of Netball Association (AFNA) Youth World Cup in Botswana. Wharton said she was satisfied with her performance after top-scoring with 52 points from 58 attempts against the host nation.

Speaking about her experience gained at what would have been her second stint at the under-21 level, Wharton said: “It felt great knowing that I am always able to make a valuable contribution to my team and with my experience which stems from playing with the senior team, that helped me a lot. In seniors there are rougher defenders compared to playing in under-21 because it is so much easier to get around those younger players.

“Honestly, I work extremely hard and train three days a week at the Netball Stadium with the national team and in addition to that I put in extra work with my division one team [UWI],” she said.

Wharton, coached by a number of persons including under-21 coaches Sandra Bruce-Small, Margaret Cutting and Julie Phillips, has had a number of accomplishments to her name. She made her netball World Cup debut in Sydney, Australia last year, then the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2013 Invitational Series in Northern Island. In addition to that there was the World Qualifiers in 2012 and 2014 just to list a few.

Perhaps on her way to becoming one of the best goal-shoots Barbados has ever produced, Wharton spoke about her journey so far and thanked those that had helped her along the way, especially her mother Eudeane Rice, sister Shanice Wharton who also played this year with the under-21 and will now be moving on to trials for the senior team.

“I used to watch my sister [Shanice] play all the time when it [her school] was called St Martin Mangrove but then in class three I decided to play the sport for fun and it was when I got in third form at Graydon Sealy Secondary that I began to take it more seriously. Then I used to play with my aunt Monette [Wharton] for Church Village and from there I moved on to further developing my game playing for UWI where I got more exposure.

“I was so surprised when I was called up for trial for the senior team because I said to myself: ‘a girl like me, at sixteen years old?’ I didn’t think that I would have made it that far because I mean they were girls who were more experienced so it came as a shock,” she said.

The 20-year-old told Barbados TODAY she has her eyes set on playing professional netball in England in what is known as the Super League very soon.

Both sisters, who are from Four Roads, St Phillip, are excellent shooters and currently play for double crown queens UWI Blackbird who captured both the knockout and league title in the just concluded Barbados Netball Association Division One season.

Shanice who plays on the opposite side of the court from her sister as goalkeeper said her aim was to become a utility player and hopefully follow in the footsteps of Shonica and also gain a scholarship.

“If I had a choice I would take back up shooting because when I was younger I used to shoot playing for Church Village. But my first aim is to make the senior team. It was a great experience for me at under-twenty-one, I got to share my knowledge with the girls from my last experience at the under-twenty-one in Scotland and I was grateful for that,” said the talented defender who shares a close bond with her younger sister Shonica.

The post Going places appeared first on Barbados Today.

It is a tall order but the Barbados Netball Association (BNA) intends to raise more than BDS$100 000 in order to compete at the World Youth Netball Championship (WYNC) in Gaborone, Botswana next year.

The Bajan Gems' outstanding performance at the just concluded Americas Federation of Netball Association Under-21 Netball qualifiers held in St Marteen earned them a ticket to the African continent.

[caption id="attachment_173454" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Members of the Barbados Under-21 netball team.[/caption]

Barbados came out on top in the under-21qualifiers after playing unbeaten in six games to secure 12 points overall ahead of second placed Trinidad and Tobago with ten and Grenada eight, as they joined Jamaica who automatically qualified after capturing bronze at the last WYNC in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2013.

Even though the BNA's bank account does not have that type of figure in it, if any at all, president Neisha Craigwell assured that her organization would go all out to ensure the players got the best of everything they needed in order to stand a good chance of doing well in Botswana.

“If you look at it realistically we are moving out of the region into Africa. We are going on the other side of the globe so if I am to put a cost to it with everything our athletes need including diet, uniforms, airfares, meals, accommodation and all the other things that we would need for our athletes, it will amount to that figure.

“We don't have any money, we are a non-profit organization so whenever we return from a tournament whether it is in the region or elsewhere our bank account is drained. So we are basically starting from scratch. The Barbados Olympic Association and National Sports Council have always been good to us and they are the ones that normally put the brunt of the money into any venture as it relates to our national programmes. But we recognized a long time ago we cannot sit back and rely on those two entities alone,” said Craigwell who appealed to corporate Barbados for assistance.

[caption id="attachment_173455" align="aligncenter" width="300"] BNA president Neisha Craigwell.[/caption]

She explained that they have always sought the help of corporate Barbados in the past and would continue to do so, but also pleaded with anyone who might be willing to sponsor a player independently to do so.

Barbados placed seventh at the 2013 youth championship in Glasgow, Scotland and Craigwell strongly believes this particular team has what it takes to come much better this time around but pointed to that fact that the conditions under which they train are not ideal.

The president told Barbados TODAY that the girls currently train at the Netball Stadium three days a week on asphalt and that often resulted in many of them having shin splints. According to her the ideal surface would be a sprung floor after she reminisced on how the players often struggled with their breathing especially during their recent outing in St Marteen.

Craigwell said the Kensington Bond was better than the current venue at which they train but the temporary home to sports that caters to at least 50 other sporting organizations, is in high demand and therefore BNA had to step in line.

“We have been struggling to find the right locations for the players to train so we really need to get them on the right surfaces so that they can get their breathing and stuff right and that was a real struggle for us. Even playing in St Marteen it was tough on the young ladies' bodies. At the end of each quarter they literally had to go outside of the arena to recover and that is not good and we are not going to have the luxury of running outside of the arena at an international tournament. So we need to have the right condition so that our players can just concentrate on playing because they would have the experience necessary to do Barbados proud.

“The Kensington Bond would be the ideal location to train. At the moment we are playing on asphalt but a sprung floor is so much better. If we do get to practise on a sprung floor and then have to go back to asphalt surfaces, that will not be good for the longevity of our athletes,” Craigwell lamented.

The post Netball SOS appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Barbados Netball Association (BNA) has no need to worry about funding to facilitate the national under-21 team's tour to Botswana for the 2017 World Youth Netball Championship.

That assurance was given Sunday to BNA president Nisha Craigwell and others present by interim chief executive officer of the National Sports Council (NSC), Jerry Blenman, during the 37th annual Barbados Workers Union Netball Tournament's opening ceremony at the Netball Stadium.

[caption id="attachment_173669" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A section of the parade.[/caption]

Last week Craigwell made a plea to private and public sector for assistance for her charges for what is expected to be one of the biggest, and most expensive tournaments, the Under-19 team will be undertaking. But during his feature address in the presence of general secretary of the BWU Toni Moore and assistant general secretary Orlando “Gabby” Scott, Blenman said that the NSC “would ensure that our local gems get the necessary funding needed” to play at the World Youth Netball Championship in Botswana next year.

[caption id="attachment_173671" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Bacchanal Time Momentum Ballers were adjudged the best team on parade and were presented with their award from the BWU by general secretary Toni Moore.[/caption]

In acknowledging the value of the tour to Botswana, Blenman also stressed the importance of developmental competitions such as the BWU tournament. He noted that as an effort was made to place sport in the national development agenda, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport was cognisant of the vital role which BWU played annually towards achieving that goal.

“One way also to achieve this is to make sports a way of life at the community level. Such action will not take impetus from the participating teams in sports, but will push the button as far as the development of communities and young people are concerned,” Blenman said, while encouraging participants to play with discipline and respect.

[caption id="attachment_173673" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Interim chief executive officer of the National Sports Council, Jerry Blenman, gives Progressive Ballers the trophy for having the best banner on parade. (Pictures by Morissa Lindsay)[/caption]

During her remarks Craigwell said the BWU's competition was an important extension of the BNA's regular netball season. She thanked the union for its continued support and contribution to netball.

Craigwell spoke on the outstanding performance recently of the under-21 team in St Maarteen where they qualified in first position for the World Youth Championship and explained that the airfare for one person to Botswana was over BDS$6 100 and therefore would amount to more than $100, 000 needed to send the Barbados players to the African nation. She appealed once again to all Barbadians, especially corporate Barbados, to make a contribution.

“We want to win. We want our athletes to do well and we want to be successful and this can only be made possible when we come together and make this happen and your financial contributions are all welcome,” Craigwell said.

There are 32 teams participating in this year's competition with six of those being newcomers. They are Elite, Bacchanal Time Momentum Ballers, the Avengers, Mint Finish Construction, Progressive Ballers, Oklahoma Strikers and Suckoo Ballers. The 32 teams will compete in four zones, namely Leroy Trotman, Linda Brooks, Ulric Sealy and Gabby Scott Zones where they will vie for the chance to dethrone league queens Spooners Hill and knockout champions Brittons Hill Combined respectively.

The post No worries appeared first on Barbados Today.

Latonia Blackman was exceptional with a perfect score of 29 goals from 29 attempts for Brittons Hill who trounced Elite 60-36 when the Barbados Workers Union's League Series continued last night at the Netball Stadium. 

Brittons Hill commanded the match from start to finish and after the first three quarters the score read 18-10, 39-23 and 51-30. 

[caption id="attachment_174556" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Nadia Blackman of Brittons Hill shooting another of her 24 goals in the game.[/caption]

The Blackman sisters as usual dominated in the shooting circle with Nadia also netting 24 goals from 36 attempts as goal-shooter. There were also contributions from goal-attacks Sabrina Smith with five goals and Delicia Murrell, two. 

Vanessa Reid-Cox put in a good effort with 23 goals from 28 attempts at the goal-shooter position but did not receive the kind of help needed as none of the other shooters got into double figures.

Also at the Netball Stadium Avengers defeated Chickmont Ballers 45-37 with the scores at the quarters being 13-6, 22-11 and 31-25. 

Avengers' goal-attack Shanice Banfield was brilliant with an individual tally of 30 goals from 40 attempts and goal-shooter Tanya Watts netted 14 off 17 attempts. Top-scoring for Chickmont was Cassandra Brathwaite with 21 points. Avengers also came out on top when they destroyed Lester Vaughan School Combined 36-5 with the scores at the breaks reading 7-2, 17-4, 29-5. 

In other games played St James Stilettoes crushed Rapid Response 30-17 (5-4, 14-6, 21-12). Goal-attack Shaneta Spencer had 17 goals and goal-shooter Jeneatha Craig netted ten for Stilettoes. For Rapid Response goal-shooter Shakera Thompson scored 11 goals. 

[caption id="attachment_174554" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Elite’s goal-attack Cherise Holder did well to prevent the ball from going out of play.[/caption]

The game between Fruta Police Girls and Elite ended 25-25 (6-6, 14-9, 21-15). Bryden Stokes took a comfortable win against St Phillip Gems 32-24 (9-6, 19-10, 28-18) 

The post Blackman propels Brittons Hill to win appeared first on Barbados Today.

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Jamaica's Sunshine Girls have been boosted by the inclusion of seasoned campaigner Jhaniele Fowler-Reid for their upcoming three-game tour of England.

The 27-year-old goal-shooter, a fixture in the national side in recent years, opted out of Jamaica's recent overseas tours because of recent commitments.

[caption id="attachment_180250" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Jhaniele Fowler-Reid[/caption]

However, after struggling in a recent series against New Zealand and in the Fast5 Netball World Series in Australia, the Sunshine Girls will welcome back Fowler-Reid, who said she was already looking forward to donning national colours again.

“I am very excited to be going back to the squad to train with them as part of the team going to England later this month,” she said.

“I am looking forward to helping to redeem some of what we have lost over the past few weeks with the games we have played in New Zealand and Australia, and I am hoping to give my best performance here.”

The Sunshine Girls will open the Vitality International Series against England at the Copper Box Arena in London on November 29 before travelling to Manchester for the second game at Belle Vue on December 2.

Jamaica will wrap up the series with the final game at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on December 4.

Fowler-Reid, who plied her trade professionally in the ANZ Championship up until this year, said she would be working on her fitness in coming weeks and backed herself to be ready for the upcoming series.

“In terms of shape, I am not yet fully where I want to be fitness-wise, but I am getting ready and I will be working on getting to a level where I think I will be okay on the court,” she explained.

“My body is ready and my skill is always there, but fitness really plays an important role for being on the court for 60 minutes, and with a little more running and cardio, I will be ready.”

The Sunshine Girls are currently ranked fourth in the world, behind England who lie third, with Australia top of the pile and New Zealand second. 

The post Jamaica boosted by Fowler-Reid’s return appeared first on Barbados Today.

This year's Barbados Secondary Schools' Netball League Under-19 title will be heading to either Government Hill, St Michael or Husbands, St James.

That's because last year's champions Springer Memorial and Queen's College won their respective semifinal encounters this afternoon to secure their places in the final.

Playing at the Netball Stadium, Springer Memorial fought their way back from three quarters in the deficit to defeat Christ Church Foundation School by a mere one point at 23-22 (4-7, 8-10, 12-18) in what was an intriguing contest between two of the better teams in this year's competition.

Scoring for Springer Memorial were goal-attack Rashanna Thorne with 12 goals from 14 attempts and goal-shooters Jada Smith and Tyra Holder six off nine and five from eight respectively.

Meanwhile the top shooters for Foundation were goal-shooter Chiara Chase with 12 goals from her 16 attempts and goal-attack Stephaine Shepherd, ten from 14. 

What is interesting to note is that these two teams met each other in last year's final when Springer Memorial emerged as champions and no doubt heading into today's contest Foundation wanted sweet revenge and just when they got so close it all turned sour a the end. 

Foundation led by six goals when the third quarter ended and they continued that momentum for the most part in the decisive period when suddenly their center player Leilani Haddock left the court with a stomach ache which forced Shanice Brathwaite on court as her replacement and it was from there that the girls from Church Hill lost their grip on proceedings. They began to push the ball instead of slowing the game down.

Springer Memorial's wing-defence Sierra Coward was very good as she intercepted a number of passes to ensure the ball did not reach Foundation's goal-attack Shepherd or goal-shooter Chase. Coward worked well with wing-attack Jada Smith to provide goal- scoring opportunities after they missed out on quite a few in the first, second and third quarters. 

The reigning queens who are now in search of their second consecutive under-19 netball titles in recent years showed more urgency during the decisive quarter and perhaps a bit too much aggression from goal-defence Tricia Phillip who was sent off court by international umpire Marion Johnson-Hurley. 

Phillips, however, returned to court one minute later and Springer Memorial down 20-22, managed to tie the scores 22-22 compliments two consecutive goals from goal-attack Thorne followed by a precision shot taken by goal-shooter Jada Smith who came on in the third quarter to replace Tyra Holder and that ultimately sealed the game. 

[caption id="attachment_180960" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Queen’s College’s center Janina Haynes reaches to take a good catch ahead of the challenge from Lester Vaughan’s wing-defence Kayla Codrington. (Picture by Morissa Lindsay)[/caption]

In the other match played Queen's College were victorious 16-15 (3-4, 6-9, 12-10) over Lester Vaughan Secondary. Queen's College's goal-shooter Janine Forde had eight goals from ten attempts along with fellow shooter Kaelyn Shockins who made five goals from her eight attempts while goal-attack Brittany Small had three goals out of six attempts.

Scoring for Lester Vaughan goal-attack Vivica Addison netted ten goals from her 14 attempts and goal-shooter Jana Joseph chipped in with five goals from her eight attempts.

The final is this Thursday at the Netball Stadium.

The post Up for grabs appeared first on Barbados Today.

Springer Memorial continue to wear the crown of queens of the Barbados Secondary Schools' Netball League Under-19 Competition after capturing their second consecutive title by defeating Queen's College 22-16 this afternoon at the Netball Stadium.

Queen's College were unable to dethrone the defending champions Springer Memorial who commanded the first three quarters that ended at 6-4, 11-8 and 18-15 to the delight of coach Allison Archer who attributed sticking to basics as the reasons behind her team's success.

[caption id="attachment_181221" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Springer Memorial ladies celebrating capturing the under-19 netball championship.[/caption]

The Most Valuable Player award went to Springer Memorial's goal-attack Rashanna Thorne who netted 14 goals rom 20 attempts during today's final and was given admirable support by goal-shooters Jada Smith with five goals from seven attempts and Tyra Holder who netted three from ten attempts.

Meanwhile for Queen's College both goal-shooters Niara Forde and Kaelyn Shockness put away six goals each and goal-attack Brittney Small had four goals from six attempts.

Springer Memorial were up by three goals, 11-8, at half-time and sought to extend their lead by blocking out Queen's College on the defensive end and taking possession of the ball from Queen's College's shooters especially goal-attack Brittney Small who found it difficult to get Springer's goal-defence Tricia Phillips off her back on a number of occasion.

Springer increased their lead by six goals, 18-12, during the third quarter to further daunt their opponents but Queen's College responded through goal-attack Small and goal-shooter Shockness with three goals between them to cut the deficit by just three and place the defending champions under pressure heading into the fourth and decisive period.

Shockness started the ball rolling with a clean shot to make it a two goal differentiation at 16-18 but Springer responded like the champions they are with Phillips and goal-keeper Shonte Seale intercepting a number of passes inside the semicircle and capitalizing on the turnovers where possible.  

Speaking with Barbados TODAY after the final Archer admitted that despite coming out on top it had been a rough year but explained that the girls continued to show determination and learn from their mistakes which allowed them to improve wherever necessary.

An elated Archer who has won her maiden netball title as coach of the Springer Memorial netball team, said preparation went well as they told the players to block out the spectators and coaches on the side lines in order to focus on their respective roles on court.

Describing the final, Archer explained: “It was a see-saw final. We played well in patches, we did some really good things and when we should slow the ball down, we tried to hustle. We turned it over quite a bit more than we would have like, so it was a see-saw game.”

Last year's runners-up Christ Church Foundation won the third place game, defeating Lester Vaughan 22-12 (6-4, 12-7, 16-9). 

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The Silver Ferns had won all seven of the previous World Cup contests between the sides and after a competitive first quarter, New Zealand began to show their quality and ultimately ran out easy 78-25 winners.

After a superb win against Singapore yesterday, Barbados entered the game with confidence but as the tie wore on, they were outclassed by Noeline Taurua’s ruthless side.

It was a commanding start from New Zealand as they scored the opening four points of the game, but Barbados responded and closed the deficit to 5-3.

Barbados found it tough to deal with the quick passing and movement of New Zealand during the opening exchanges, but they settled and managed to remain in touching distance due to the excellent shooting of Shonica Wharton and Sheniqua Thomas who scored nine of their ten goal attempts.

New Zealand took a 16-9 advantage into the second quarter and they immediately began to build on their lead, extending it to 21 goals by the middle of the quarter.

The Gems struggled to put together any effective offensive play as they were limited to just one goal attempt in the first ten minutes of the quarter and despite a late flurry of goals, they were outscored by 26-5.

Led by some flawless shooting from Bailey Mes, who scored all 14 of her goal attempts in the quarter, and backed up by substitute Maria Folau’s 92 per cent shooting, New Zealand took a 42-14 lead into half time.

The Silver Ferns kept their foot firmly on the pedal after the interval and continued to build their advantage as Te Paea Selby-Rickit replaced Folau and impressed, converting all 12 of her goal attempts.

Wharton continued to impress for Barbados with her shooting range and touch, but the Gems again found it tough to create scoring opportunities consistently, scoring six goals in the quarter as New Zealand increased their lead to 61-20.

The opening stages of the fourth quarter were much more even, as both sides traded scores before the Silver Ferns regained control of the contest.

The last time the two sides met in the Netball World Cup – in 2015 – New Zealand were 73-28 winners, and the scoreline began to head in a similar direction as the Silver Ferns confidently played out the remaining minutes to outscore Barbados 17-5 in the final quarter and take the victory.

Ultimately New Zealand proved to be too strong for Barbados and they will look to cement their place at the top of Group B when they face Singapore tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Gems will hope to return to winning ways when they take on Malawi in their final group game.

After the game New Zealand’s Mes said: “We’re just trying to be a little bit better every day and take whatever we can from one day to the next. Personally, I didn’t get on court yesterday so it was really good to get out there.”

Wharton said despite the score Barbados never stopped fighting.

“I think we performed well. We continued fighting even though we didn’t win, and I thought that we had a good team spirit and we performed all the way until the end. They were good at basically everything, but we can learn to be more confident and continue to keep pushing for more.” (NWC)

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