National stage for top under-18s

THE island's top young netball talent will have a new goal to aim for next season. Today, Nerine Trust coach Gill Queripel juggles winning a National Clubs League match against Gateshead in the north-east of England, with trying to give youngsters such as Kerri Brown and Zola Bourgaize valuable court time.

But on the eve of Nerine's final National Clubs League match of the season, she revealed that next winter our best under-18 talent will be playing together on the national stage.

'We're looking to set up an under-18 team next year, either as Guernsey or Nerine.

'We've got the kids to do it.'

'We have got to give these kids something to play,' said Queripel, who said a decision as to under what banner the team plays, will be made by May at the latest.

'We are definitely going to do it, one way or the other.'

The island under-18s could, said Queripel, play in a league or 'take the tournament route'.

The Nerine coach and local academy director, said she preferred the tournament format.

Nerine were due to fly out shortly after seven this morning and face a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Manchester to Gateshead where they hope to finish their campaign on a high. She is confident of a victory that will consolidate the side in fifth place in Division Seven, or perhaps move up to fourth in the eight-team table. The 10-strong squad is at strength and Queripel hopes she will be able to give every player a slice of the action.