Boscobel Primary’s goal attempt is defended by Sharon Primary’s goal-keep.
Forty-seven primary schools were represented at the Netball Stadium today as the National Sports Council staged the Aileen Jeffers Memorial Rally for those schools which will be taking part in the annual primary schools netball championships which get underway on May 17.
According to the NSC’s Anna Shepherd, the rally gave several of the young girls who have never played competitive netball their first taste of the game under an official game setting.The rally was staged in a knockout format with each game of two three-minute halves. While 47 schools paraded, only 39 of those actually played in the rally.
The hectic action on court came down to a final between Belmont Primary and Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary which the former won 2-0. Belmont had earlier defeated Boscobel Primary 4-3 in the semi-final while Hillaby had drawn a bye.
During the rally the NSC’s assistant director Mona Alleyne addressed the youngsters and urged them to give of their best while enjoying the sport. She said such a rally and competition gave the children the opportunity to make new friendships and engage in a healthy, wholesome activity.
Also addressing the rally was president of the Barbados Netball Association Nisha Cummings who stressed the importance of the rally and the primary school competition. She noted it was vital for the sport that young girls were exposed at the primary school level which she described as the game’s foundation stage.
Junior national player Sheniqua Thomas also addressed the large gathering and welcomed the primary school netballers to the rally.
A number of former senior national players were present for the rally.
Wilkie Cumberbatch were adjudged the best uniform team on parade.††